13 Aug 2026

Government has proposed the amendment of the Road Traffic Act to accommodate seven seater vehicles, which were not covered to operate as public service vehicles under the current law.

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae told Parliament that through the Department of Road Transport and Services (DRTS), government regulated the issuance of transport permits to various classes of public service vehicles including seven seater vehicles, small passenger vehicles such as Toyota Vitz, Honda Fit and similar vehicles.

He said where people operated without licenses meant owners did not apply for permits and these were often referred to as illegal operators. Mr Salakae said currently, the seven seaters vehicles were not covered to operate as public service vehicles.

He said as for bus stop caretakers, the current road transport legislation did not legally recognise them. Mr Salakae said government’s posture was to move towards liberalisation of the public transport system to avoid over regularisation of the industry.

Lobatse MP, Mr Kamal Jacobs had asked the minister whether government would consider introducing an appropriate licensing or permit framework for small passenger vehicles currently operating outside the regulated public transport system and whether government would also consider formal recognition of bus stop caretakers through an appropriate permit system.ENDS