13 May 2020

 After the easing of lockdown regulations, Serowe Taxi Operators flocked to the Department of Transport in Serowe to request for permits.

In an interview, transport station manager, Ms Gofaone Kavezedi indicated that they were determined to work with taxi operators to ensure that they abide by COVID-19 protocols.

Ms Kavezedi said in the last two days they issued 127 permits in Serowe including staff transport, noting that Serowe alone has about 342 taxi operators.

She said those who flocked the station obeyed social distancing regulations and other related protocols.

‘’Taxi operators are expected to clean their vehicles with water and soap or sanitize when they leave or arrive at their distinations’’, she said.

Ms Kavezedi further noted that loading capacity for taxi services shall be on special basis or 60 per cent of the seating capacity.

She said taxi operators were also expected to keep a register of all passengers who board their vehicles.

BOPA team, which visited the bus rank noticed that operators were complying with COVID-19 regulations and most of them commended government for easing extreme social distancing regulations, saying although the regulations were time consuming, it was time to help the nation.

They indicated that although there was not much business, they were nevertheless optimistic that with time, things would get back to normal, saying their business had been adversely affected by the lockdown.

Some stated that on a normal day, their business was complemented by schools as they often transported pupils. ENDS