Minibus Taxi Task Team (MBTTT) Initiates Four - Week Plan to Review Operating License Transgressions

A significant announcement has emerged from the Western Cape after a three-day imbizo. The Minibus Taxi Task Team (MBTTT) has developed a four-week plan to manage outstanding issues regarding minibus taxi operating license violations.

The City of Cape Town, the Western Cape government, and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) all participated in the imbizo and were described as optimistic about outcomes. Together with the National Department of Transport, they collectively agreed to examine the enforcement outcomes for each operating license condition that required attention. This move demonstrates a holistic commitment to addressing transportation challenges in the province.

The MBTTT stated, "Through extensive consultation and earnest deliberation, we have found common ground on fair and rational consequences for most of the operating license condition transgressions. This exercise aligns with our mutual priority to address fundamental challenges in the transport sector and deliver functional, reliable, safe mobility for our commuters."

The September 1 deadline for the task indicates the urgency by which the authorities are treating these resolutions. However, despite optimism around the table, there is still a level of apprehension, indicated by Mandla Hermanus, Santaco WC chaiperson's remark that he could not promise that the recent eight-day taxi strike would be the last.

Hermanus was speaking at a taxi stakeholder's gathering that took place at the funeral of a taxi operator. This underscored the seriousness of the issues at hand and amplified the severity of transgressions and their potential consequences.

Prompt action is already underway in the form of tracing operations aiming to enforce the Warrants of Arrest for recurring offenders. Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security JP Smith reported that approximately 2,000 offenders have already been apprehended for ignoring their outstanding traffic fines.

While the work in progress aims to establish sustainable solutions, the recent taxi strike still casts a shadow over the sector, affecting Commuters' trust in a vital transport service. Time will tell if this four-week plan effectively smooths out the current taxi operating issues.