Applications for passenger transport permits resume

The applications were opened to the public on Monday but suspended due to problems with the system. "We have introduced new electronic permits because the previous ones were being easily faked. At our Francistown office, we are not yet issuing permits because we are still in a pilot study to see the success of electronic permits in Gaborone. In Gaborone, more than a thousand people turned up for new applications. We still want to see if the system will accept and issue permits without difficulties before we start issuing them here in Francistown," said Patrick Motlhanka, manager for the Department of Road Transport and Safety.

Motlhanka said that they would use the same system in Francistown if it turns out to be user friendly. He added, "The permits for passenger transport have been closed since 2008 but the success of the new issuing system in Gaborone will give a go-ahead to other areas around the country. But this time, we will not issue permits for taxis."