NATIONAL NEWS – The grace period for social grant recipients to collect their grants and purchase essential goods comes to an end today, Friday 3 April at 21:00.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, interest groups and other stakeholders had requested an extension of public transport operating hours, to accommodate the transportation needs of society’s most vulnerable.
In response, Minister Mbalula amended the Public Transport Directions. Between 30 March and 3 April, buses and taxis were permitted to operate from 05:00 until 20:00.
As of 4 April, public transport operating hours return to the morning and afternoon peak times, with slight amendments, as follows:
• 04:00 – 05:00 empty taxis are permitted to make their way to collect commuters
• 05:00 – 10:00 taxis are permitted to ferry commuters at 70% licensed capacity
• 10:00 – 11:00 buffer: all outstanding commuters must be dropped off & taxis parked
• 15:00 – 16:00 empty taxis are permitted to make their way to collect commuters
• 16:00 – 20:00 taxis are permitted to ferry commuters at 70% licensed capacity
• 20:00 – 21:00 buffer: all outstanding commuters must be dropped off & taxis parked
The utilisation of sanitisation products and services, as well as the exercise of social distance by all those using public transport, must continue to be observed and enforced.