Minibus taxi operators have another four years before they have to start complying with basic safety regulations, Transport Minister Dullah Omar announced on Monday.
Revealing the target dates for the recapitalisation of the industry, he said operators should have adequate time to find finance for and buy their vehicles.
”Between now and 2008, no vehicle will be refused a licence because it does not comply with the basic specifications,” Omar told reporters in Pretoria.
”And no vehicle will be removed from the road before 2010 because it does not comply with basic specifications.”
These specifications relate to safety requirements, such as a roll-over bar on all vehicles, a proper chassis and safety belts for all passengers.
The recapitalisation programme aims to replace about 97 000 ageing minibus taxis with safe, efficient 18- and 35-seater vehicles, and to regulate and empower the taxi industry.
Omar met the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) on Monday to discuss the organisation’s request for clarity on the target dates for the project.
These dates have to be fixed by the minister in terms of Section 31 of the National Land Transport Transition Act.
A deadline, not before October next year, should be set after which no public passenger vehicle will be licensed unless it complies with safety specifications.
A second date, not earlier than October 2006, should be determined after which vehicles not complying with the basic specifications will be removed from the road.
Omar said October 2008 has been fixed as the cut-off date with regard to the licensing of vehicles.
The date after which only vehicles adhering to safety regulations will be allowed on the road is October 2010.
”The announcement of these dates will help both the industry and financial institutions which want to continue their support for the industry.”
A request by Santaco for the two deadlines to be extended by another two years could not be met, Omar said.
He sought to give an assurance that there was no opposition against the recapitalisation programme.
The KwaZulu-Natal Taxi Council was granted an urgent High Court interdict last month to stop the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the government and Santaco. It contended members had not seen the contents of the agreement.
On Monday, Omar blamed the court action mainly on what he described as a lack of information and consultation.
”We have agreed that a consultation process must take place within Santaco. We will assist Santaco to ensure that there is proper communication.”
Omar said Santaco is about to embark on a road show to explain the taxi recapitalisation programme.
He disclosed that bidders for supplying the new vehicles will be required to offer a share of 25,1% to Santaco.
The objective is to ensure that Santaco and its members benefit from the project.
Santaco president Tom Muofhe welcomed the target dates, said this should satisfy all provinces.
”Today we clear up all the uncertainties that have prevailed, and [we have] resolved any outstanding questions.”
Muofhe stressed that the recapitalisation project is continuing as before.
”Santaco pledges to work closely with its members and government to ensure that it is rolled out as planned,” he said. — Sapa