Private pupil transporters seek assistance from depts

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Education has distanced itself from the plight of private pupil transport operators, who are struggling to make ends meet.

Private transport operators expressed concerns last week about the financial sustainability of the industry as a result of the regulations implemented during the lockdown period.

They indicated that they were considering hiking their fees to transport pupils as they were limited in the number of commuters they were allowed to transport in their vehicles.

According to the operators, attempts to get assistance from both the departments of Education and Transport, Safety and Liaison had been unsuccessful.

Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Lehuma Ntuane yesterday urged the operators to approach the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison with their concerns. “Unfortunately we cannot speak for private transporters not covered by the government’s pupil transport policy,” he said.

According to Ntuane, the provincial Department of Education has already met with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison to discuss the Covid-19 transport regulations, as well as the number of pupils that will be allowed in vehicles to ensure social distancing.

He said it had been determined during the meeting that 363 vehicles would be required to transport Grade 7 and 12 pupils during the first phase when schools reopen on June 8. “A total of 351 vehicles are currently contracted to the department. The additional 12 vehicles will have to be sourced.”

Ntuane warned that the regulations and standard operating procedures regarding pupil transport had also been discussed. “These will be enforced by traffic officials, especially with regard to private transport.”

He added that the department had already held two virtual meetings with the representatives of the transport operators, where the necessary changes that needed to be implemented as a result of the Covid 19 regulations had been discussed.

Draft standard operating procedures (SOPS) have been developed by the department to manage pupil transport services in terms of the Covid-19 regulations.

“The week of June 1-5 will be utilised to workshop district offices and operators regarding the draft SOPS as well as the transport regulations,” said Ntuane.

“Plans are also in place for EPWP workers to be appointed and trained by the department, to monitor compliance of the pupil transport vehicles.

“The pupil transport officials and other officials of the department will also conduct random monitoring visits.

“The department has also procured sanitisers and these will be distributed to the operators to allow them to sanitise their vehicles as well as the hands of pupils before the vehicles are boarded.

“Each pupil will be issued with two masks at their respective schools,” concluded Ntuane.