Minibus taxis in South Africa’s Gauteng province are being equipped with safety measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

In an initiative called Adopt a Safe Passage to Work/School, approximately 6 000 minibus taxis across the province will eventually be fitted with special air-ventilation spacers, airtight driver barriers and sanitiser stations in an effort to decrease the risk of infection by up to 80%. The ventilation spacers enable the circulation of fresh air through the taxis, even in cold weather.

The project is being led by non-profit SDI Force with R6 million in funding by Bridge Taxi Finance, a local vehicle financier for minibus taxi entrepreneurs, and First National Bank.

Bridge Taxi Finance chairman Vincent Raserokahe says its contribution to the project forms part of its larger ZAR175 million drive to ‘safeguard taxi operators, drivers and passengers from the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic’, adding that it is ‘aimed at providing South Africa’s workers and learners with a safe passage to work and school. A project that puts the safety of our people first should be supported’.

Business Insider reports that some 200 taxis have already been outfitted with the measures.

4 August 2020
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