Commuters reminded of safety protocols on Level 3

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As we enter Level 3 of the national lockdown period it is more important than ever to stay committed, and to follow the basic health and safety rules to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Staying home is still the safest option, and if you must travel, only do so for work purposes, or for essential goods and services.

All of those making use of public transport services must please:

  • wear a mask or scarf to cover their nose and mouth at all times
  • wash hands with soap and water before and after the trip
  • use hand sanitiser if it is available
  • avoid touching common surfaces
  • avoid physical contact with others by standing and sitting at least 1,5m apart
  • avoid touching your face
  • stay home when you are feeling sick

The National Minister of Transport issued new regulations for public transport services yesterday, 30 May 2020. Commuters are informed as follows:

  • Time restrictions on road-based public transport services such as the MyCiTi bus service, minibus-taxis, metred-taxis and e-hailing service providers have been lifted and services are allowed to operate through the day.
  • The MyCiTi bus service will resume the normal weekday service as from tomorrow, 1 June 2020, and the normal weekend service as from Saturday, 6 June 2020. The Airport, Neptune, and Grey stations will remain closed until further notice. The schedules and timetables are available online. Commuters can visit the MyCiTi website on www.myciti.org.za for regular updates; use the MyCiTi app, or follow us on Twitter @MyCiTiBus; or phone the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 – the TIC is available 24/7.
  • MyCiTi buses, GABS buses, and vehicles providing an e-hailing service, or metered-taxis, are only allowed to load 50% of their licensed capacity.
  • Minibus-taxis may only load 70% of their licensed loading capacity to ensure that there is enough space for commuters to practice physical distancing, and to avoid contact.
  • Commuter rail services are not operating as yet.

We are working around the clock to ensure that the MyCiTi buses, stations and facilities are continuously cleaned and sanitised. We have also implemented measures at public transport facilities (PTIs) to make it easier for commuters to adhere to social distancing.

Over the past weeks, teams went around to 45 PTIs and painted lines at waiting areas to indicate the appropriate spacing between those who are queuing to board minibus-taxis. I encourage commuters to keep to the distances indicated by these lines.

The City has also intensified the cleaning protocols at minibus-taxi facilities since the start of the lockdown:

  • The ablution facilities are constantly cleaned during the operational hours. All surfaces – from the floors to the toilet seats, the taps, basins, door handles, and so forth – are constantly washed and surfaces wiped. Commuters who enter the facility are provided with hand soap and there is running water for handwashing;
  • The offices, and administration buildings are cleaned at least twice a day. This also involves the cleaning and washing of all surfaces, door handles, the floors, and so forth;
  • The communal area where commuters wait to embark/disembark are cleaned continuously – this includes all surfaces that may be touched by a commuter, from poles to benches and handrails; and
  • We are monitoring each facility to ensure compliance with the cleaning regime.

COVID-19 is challenging us like never before. We are adapting and improving our systems as we learn new lessons every day.

We need commuters to please also play their part. As one City, working together, we can overcome COVID-19.