Registered 7-seaters allowed to operate
Legal permit is key
The minister warned drivers of seven-seater vehicles, taxis and minibuses not to deviate from the regulations of their permits.
Works and transport minister John Mutorwa says registered private vehicles may operate as public transporters with the necessary permits at hand.
He made the remarks during his keynote address at the launch of the Osona Express bus service last Thursday.
Mutorwa said a legal permit will allow drivers to join the public transport market.
"You cannot just transport people out of your own will. There must be permits given, which will determine the distance you can transport.
"Seven-seaters, taxis and minibuses equipped with legal permits can join the free market, but don't deviate from the regulations of this permit," he warned.
Delays frustrate
Currently, seven-seater taxis continue to operate, but some drivers has complained about a delay in the issuing of permits by NATIS.
According to Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) chairperson Pendapala Nakathingo, the delays to obtain permits are frustrating and have forced the association to call a meeting to discuss the renting and issuance of transportation permits, contract agreements between taxi owners and drivers and national registration for bus and taxi drivers as well as public vehicles.
"The meeting is slated for Wednesday, 21 September. The public is urged to make alternative transport plans since taxis might be out of the stream during the meeting," he said.
Engagement process
According to the Roads Authority (RA), the road transportation board has drafted requirements for seven-seater operator permit applications. However, stakeholder engagements are currently underway.
"Operators will have to meet the approved requirements to get the vehicles operational and/or approval from the road transportation board," RA spokesperson Hileni Fillemon said.
He made the remarks during his keynote address at the launch of the Osona Express bus service last Thursday.
Mutorwa said a legal permit will allow drivers to join the public transport market.
"You cannot just transport people out of your own will. There must be permits given, which will determine the distance you can transport.
"Seven-seaters, taxis and minibuses equipped with legal permits can join the free market, but don't deviate from the regulations of this permit," he warned.
Delays frustrate
Currently, seven-seater taxis continue to operate, but some drivers has complained about a delay in the issuing of permits by NATIS.
According to Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) chairperson Pendapala Nakathingo, the delays to obtain permits are frustrating and have forced the association to call a meeting to discuss the renting and issuance of transportation permits, contract agreements between taxi owners and drivers and national registration for bus and taxi drivers as well as public vehicles.
"The meeting is slated for Wednesday, 21 September. The public is urged to make alternative transport plans since taxis might be out of the stream during the meeting," he said.
Engagement process
According to the Roads Authority (RA), the road transportation board has drafted requirements for seven-seater operator permit applications. However, stakeholder engagements are currently underway.
"Operators will have to meet the approved requirements to get the vehicles operational and/or approval from the road transportation board," RA spokesperson Hileni Fillemon said.
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