Good news: Taxi drivers get R2k boost!

THE Minister of Transport has announced that they have extended the Taxi Relief Fund (TRF) programme for 12 more months.

This means taxi drivers with legit licences will now receive R7 200 opposed to the R5 000 that was initially announced in 2021.

This programme is part of the taxi industry and owners' Covid-19 Taxi Relief Fund (TRF), which was introduced in 2021 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga they have secured a once-off relief fund to the value of R1, 135 billion in 2021 to help the taxi industry deal with the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The relief was based on the principle of ex gratia payment paid only to taxi operators with valid operating licenses.

“Based on the initial count of the number of taxis available, it was decided that operators were to receive R5 000 per licence.  However, following a thorough analysis on the operating licence information system, it was realised that only 141 987 operating licences were on the system and therefore qualified to benefit from the fund.

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“As at 31 March 2023, when the TRF period lapsed, a total of 85 364 (60%) operating licences were paid out of the 141 987.  This amounted to R426 820 000 disbursement and a balance of R708 180 000 has not been disbursed.

“The department again approached cabinet to request for an extension of the TRF to afford as many taxi operators as possible an opportunity to benefit from the fund. Cabinet approved the extension of the TRF in August 2023 for a further period of 12 months,” she said.

As a result based on the number of qualifying operating licences, Chikunga said those with operating licences will now be paid R7 200 from R5 000.

She added that operators who applied in the first round of the project should apply for a top up of R2 200.

Meanwhile, Gauteng Transport and Logistics MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the taxi industry suffered greatly during the pandemic and they are still on their path to recovery.

As a result, they need help from government and the private sector.

“This is the industry that serves as a backbone of the transport industry network accounting for 23% peak period trips within the province and we plan to priories and elevate issues of funding of the sector,” she said.