THE Western Cape Operating Licences Board (POLB) has suspended all new applications for public transport operations for George and the Cape Town Functional Region (Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Grabouw).
The suspension came into effect on 23 June and will continue until 31 March next year. The suspension has been approved by the MEC for Transport and Public Works, Marius Fransman.
The Head of the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, Thami Manyathi says renewals, amendments to existing permits, and transfer of permits or operating licences will not be affected.
Applications as part of the Minibus Taxi Recapitalisation Program will also continue.
Manyathi said the suspension was needed to implement a turnaround strategy for the Board to clear the backlog of unprocessed applications. He emphasised the suspension of new applications was temporary.
Applications that are pending and are compliant and have been submitted before the cut-off date will still be considered, if applicants can produce proof of the submission, according to him.
“One benefit of upgrading the systems is that we would be able to improve law enforcement.
“Eventually we will be able to process applications much quicker than what the turnaround time is at present.”
For enquiries, concerning local taxi issues, phone traffic chief Japie Cornelissen on 021-872-4755.
