The minibus taxi industry in the Western Cape says it’s faced with a shortage of PPE as well as a loss in revenue.

Some say it makes their jobs difficult as they don’t know if commuters are carrying the virus.

The Western Cape government says it’s kept its end of the bargain by providing enough PPE.

“We’ve been very consistent as the department of transport,” said Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela.

“Nationally we get PPE on a regular basis that are distributed to the taxi industry.”

Taxi operators also say they’re not making ends meet.

Despite the increase in traffic volumes, they say they’re still suffering and would like to see an increase in prices.But the Western Cape government says a price hike increase would be unreasonable.

“We need to discourage the taxi industry from punishing passengers because of the regulations,” Madikizela said.

Cape Town trains are no longer operational, meaning that more commuters rely on minibus taxis.

With concerns about a lack of revenue and safety, the taxi industry in the province will continue facing hardship if there isn’t urgent intervention.