Most new taxis did not fully comply with safety requirements published last year, Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe said on Thursday.
However, most ”can be said to substantially meet the basic requirements”, he told an Eastern Cape transport conference in East London.
”With minor adjustments, these vehicles can become 100% compliant within reasonable time,” the minister said in a prepared speech.
The main challenge was in the minibus taxi category, with most midibuses (22- to 29-seaters) being semi-compliant.
The government’s taxi recapitalisation programme had gained speed since the safety requirements were published, Radebe said.
The programme seeks to formalise the taxi industry and improve commuter safety.
Radebe said a service provider to oversee the scrapping of 10 000 old taxis should be announced by the end of the month. It would be contracted by the government to set up and manage a scrapping-administration agency. — Sapa