“Six Months Is Too Long”: Seven-Seater Drivers Raise Alarm Over Permit Backlogs
By TUW
A group of seven-seater public transport drivers in Mariental have raised concerns over what they describe as unreasonably long delays in the issuing of public transportation permits. The drivers, many of whom rely solely on transport operations to sustain their families, gathered this week to express their growing frustration.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Martin Rooinaasi said the waiting period for a permit can stretch up to six months. According to him, such delays make it extremely difficult for drivers to operate legally and generate a steady income.
Rooinaasi stressed that most of the affected drivers are currently unemployed and depend entirely on transporting passengers on a daily basis to make ends meet. He added that without timely permits, they face constant uncertainty, financial hardship, and the risk of being fined while trying to earn an honest living.
The drivers are calling on the authorities responsible for issuing these permits to speed up the process and provide clearer communication, saying that an efficient system would allow them to work legally, support their families, and contribute to the local transport sector.
