Sinanan: Choose your maxi taxi to curb covid19

MINISTER of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan has said his ministry cannot order maxi-taxi drivers to take steps against covid19, but passengers can opt for a vehicle in which they feel safe.

He was replying to Newsday’s concerns at a lack of masks and hand sanitiser in maxi taxis on the Priority Bus Route, which often now operate at full passenger capacity since the easing of covid19 restrictions.

“We are all in this thing together. You want to take personal responsibility,” he said. “We can’t instruct drivers to give you hand sanitiser. Walk with your own little bottle.”

On masks, he said, “Drivers could refuse you if you don’t wear a mask.”

Newsday asked about maxi drivers now operating with windows closed, instead of natural ventilation which could help curb the spread of the virus among passengers.

Sinanan said, “Again, we have asked them to drive with the windows open.

"You have some people who comply 100 per cent with our requirements and some may not.

“So if you are a person who is travelling by public transportation, you have the choice. You can choose a maxi taxi where the windows are open, one that you are comfortable in. If you are not comfortable, you wait for another which you are comfortable in.”

He asked all citizens to observe the guidelines for public transport put out by the Ministry of Health.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh recently lamented that drivers at a taxi stand at San Juan were not wearing masks, and urged taxi and maxi-taxi drivers to cover up so as not catch covid19 and take it home to their families.