New regulations for taxi industry are a breeze

The government appears to have bowed to pressure from the taxi industry, allowing minibus taxis to continue to carry full loads during the national lockdown.

The only requirement is that windows must be open for ventilation and everyone wears masks.

Loads are still limited to 70% for long distance trips.

The initial regulations in lockdown level 5 prescribed a 50% loading capacity for short and long distance journeys.

The new regulations instruct taxi drivers to wipe the interior at least once a day and drivers are to ensure that passengers are kept 1 metre apart in queues.

The concession on the load capacity for taxis has drawn the wrath of commuters and our readers.

Commenting on the Courier Facebook page, Tongaat resident Nikki Maharaj said: “How many of us have seen taxi drivers with no mask, all the windows closed, people eating and drinking in there. And no policing of taxis whatsoever. It seems like taxi bosses can make their own rules, when sitting that close is just asking for trouble.”

Ballito’s Karen Landman agreed that the new regulations made no sense.

Yet the open window rule may not be as far fetched as it appears.

One Harvard study suggests opening car windows a mere 8 cms can significantly help keep Covid-19 from spreading among people sharing the same vehicle.

University of Cape Town study found that keeping 2 sets of open windows in the front and the back of a minibus taxi could provide enough air to reduce the risk of tuberculosis transmission.

But the question remains as to whether passengers will tolerate the fully open windows while travelling at speed and being blasted by icy wind.

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