New directives for public transport: Masks mandatory, extended hours
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says anyone using public transport without wearing a face mask will be breaking the law.
Mbalula held a media briefing on the Covid-19 lockdown regulations in Tshwane on Friday.
Friday marked the first day of the level four directives.
Mbalula said public transport hours have been revised for taxis to accommodate those who will be returning to work on Monday.
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"All road-based public transport services are permitted to operate from 05h00 until 19h00, with a grace period of 1 hour in the afternoon to complete their trips and drop off passengers.
"This includes minibus-taxis, buses, metered taxis, e-hailing services, charter and shuttle services.”
The 70% loading capacity, social distancing and other measures remain in place.
"We call on the pubic to ensure strict adherence to this requirement by obtaining their own face masks in line with the guidance given by Minister (of Cooperative Governance Nkosazana) Dlamini-Zuma.
"While government may provide limited assistance in ensuring the availability of masks, the onus rests on each individual to ensure that they do not leave home without a mask."
Mbalula urged passengers, who are strong-armed into paying an extra fare to cover the 30% of passengers who cannot use the taxi, to report drivers and operators to authorities.