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6 July 2020 Media Release: Red Dot Taxi Service now serving the Garden Route

Media Release: Red Dot Taxi Service now serving the Garden Route

For Immediate Release
6 July 2020

The first Red Dot Taxi Service was rolled out to the Garden Route District in June 2020. The Service is a partnership between the minibus taxi industry and the Western Cape Government. Red Dot uses dedicated minibus taxis to provide critical transport services to COVID-19 positive people or those who were in close contact with a COVID-19 person who need transport to a quarantine and isolation facility. The service is called “Red Dot” because of easily recognisable red branding stickers on the vehicles.

One of the Red Dot Taxis leaving the George Hospital to drop off a patient.

Mr James Robb, Cluster lead for Transport at the Garden Route Command Centre and Manager: George Integrated Public Transport Network at Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, said, “It is important for drivers to be protected while transporting people; hence the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works installed a protective screen between drivers and patients.” The Department is responsible for implementing and monitoring the service, which consists of a fleet of dedicated minibuses. “Minibuses also have a tracker and hand sanitising dispenser installed along with guidance informing riders to wear face coverings throughout the journey,” said Robb.

According to Gerhard Otto, Chairperson for the GRDM Command Centre, “strict health and safety protocols are in place, including cleaning and sanitisation of vehicles after every trip, appropriate personal protective equipment, and a limit of 50% capacity”.

“The implementation of Red Dot in the District is further enabled by the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre, which is providing a co-ordination function between stakeholders,” said Otto.

Umanyano Travel Services currently provides the service. The company is contracted by the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works.  Umanyano, was formed by SANTACO Western Cape, which represents the minibus taxi industry in the Province.