The new rules for travel and transport under lockdown level 3

Metrorail's Southern Line is operating as commuter train routes gradually reopen

Last updated: 1 July

On Wednesday, 1 July, Metrorail started operating a limited service in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. This comes 96 days after the service stopped for lockdown. 

Safety measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of infection for commuters. These include temperature checks, limited capacity, and signs placed on seats to ensure physical distancing between passengers. 

METRORAIL'S SOUTHERN LINE IS OPERATING IN CAPE TOWN
The Metrorail service is being slowly rolled out, and as of 1 July only the Southern Line is operating, on a new, reduced schedule. 

#Covid19SA Gradual Service Resumption : Limited Afternoon Peak trains (Inbound/Outbound) on #SouthernLineCT - Observe Social Distance. Together we can beat Covid-19 pic.twitter.com/ovzaWRWfKh

— Metrorail W/Cape (@CapeTownTrains) June 30, 2020

LEVEL 3 TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT REGULATIONS
On 30 May, Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula issued new travel regulations, which include new rules about public transport, flights and rail travel under alert level 3 of the national lockdown. 

NO CURFEW FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
You may travel any time of the day when using public transport, including buses, minibus taxis, metered taxis and e-hailing services. According to the City of Cape Town:

• Minibus-taxis are allowed to transport 70% of their passenger capacity;

• MyCiTi buses, GABS buses, e-hailing services and metered-taxis are only allowed to load 50% of their passenger capacity; and

• The Airport, Neptune, and Grey MyCiTi bus stations will remain closed until further notice.
  
  

Cleaning efforts have also increased at minibus-taxi facilities, from ablution facilities to communal areas

TRAVELLING BETWEEN PROVINCES
When travelling between provinces, public transport vehicles are only permitted to transport people who are travelling for work purposes or performing a service permitted under level 3 (such as obtaining medical treatment or attending a funeral). You will need a permit for such travel.

AIR TRAVEL TO RESUME FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES
Domestic flights have resumed, but only under the strict conditions. You may not travel for recreational, leisure or tourism purposes: only work-related travel is allowed. You will need to provide written authorisation or proof of travel. You will be screened before entering the terminal building, and if your temperature is too high or you show signs of being infected with Covid-19, you won’t be allowed to enter. All travellers must wear a mask at all times. 

Only Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, OR Tambo International Airport, and Lanseria Airport will be open for domestic flights.

Only employees, crew and passengers are allowed in the building. Nobody may enter the building with you and drop-off and pick ups are only allowed outside the building.

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The situation is ever-changing and our team is committed to bringing you all the latest updates on COVID-19 in Cape Town.

Level 3 is here. These are some of the things we are excited about getting back to.

Do your part and support small businesses in Cape Town.

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