Metro’s plans to tackle Covid-19 transmission in public transport
Covid-19-related regulations related to public transport included wearing of masks, sanitizing of commuters and disinfection of taxi and buses.
The Tshwane regional public transport command structure has announced plans to strengthen relations between the bus and taxi industries in a bid to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in public transport.
Tshwane mayor Randall Williams said the regional command structure had formulated an integrated plan underpinned by three fundamentals and underlined by “smart goals” to ensure the safety of commuters.
The objectives were a complete reduction and elimination of transmission among commuters who were in transit; maintaining healthy public transport business operations through continued educational talks and regular screening of operational staff along with maintaining a healthy public transport business system, particularly in the taxi industry.
“During the festive season, the command structure will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with regard to Covid-19 public transport regulations, as well as creating awareness about the pandemic,” Williams said.
Covid-19 regulations related to public transport included wearing of masks, sanitising of commuters and disinfection of taxis and buses.
“The command structure will also serve an important role in unifying the bus and taxi operators on issues of common interest,” Williams said.
“Since its establishment, the structure has proved to be an important and much needed platform to deal with public transport issues affecting both modes of transport in Tshwane during and post the Covid-19 hard lock down,” Williams said.
He added that through its “dedication”, the command structure’s members had worked continuously throughout the pandemic on a mission to ensure buses, taxis and public transport facilities posed less or no risk to passengers, commuters, drivers and queue marshals.
“The command structure is made up of representatives of the Tshwane taxi industry steering committee, Tshwane bus operators as well as representatives from the city’s roads and transport department and the Gauteng department of transport,” Williams said.
Meanwhile, roads and transport MMC Dikeledi Selowa was also commended for providing a “crucial” oversight role on the command structure.
“It is encouraging to see the unity and determination of both the bus and taxi industries working together towards a common purpose,” Williams said.
“I fully support the command structure and the important contribution it makes towards enhancing public transport in the city.”
He said it was vital that the oversight was in place as the festive season approached, as residents were most likely to make use of public transport to visit their families and loved ones.
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