‘Taxis not the baddies on the road’
ALEXANDRA - The taxi industry recently exhibited a positive side to their socio economic role to society in a country which vilifies them as a law unto themselves.
The taxi industry exhibited a positive side to its socio-economic role in a country which vilifies them as a law unto themselves.
This was at the launch of its partnership with artists struggling to break into the mainstream art industry said to be restricted to galleries which attract the upper and middle classes. The taxis will display the artwork as decals helping to market the artists countrywide.
The negative public perception, though, will take a lot to change. Taxi driver stand accused of reckless driving and lack of due care extended to other road users, speeding, driving on road verges, over yellow and white barrier lines, hooting incessantly when in no imminent danger and allegations of some drivers not having valid driving licences, among others.
Bonisile Makhubalo of SA Taxi Finance which finances the industry, expressed a different view. “Taxis are the bloodline of the national economy. They ferry 19 million commuters to work daily and on time, enabling them to contribute to generating billions to the national economy.” This he said was also through linking commuters with other transport means making transportation seamless with minimal inconvenience and reduced delays. Makhubalo said while taxis were not immune to accidents, 60 percent of the accidents on national roads were not taxi related.
“Other road users, including pedestrians, transgress the rules of the road resulting in fatalities even from road rage,” he said.
He added that the negative perceptions should also be weighed against other taxi-related benefits such as employment of drivers and taxi marshals, and the boosting of vending businesses at taxi ranks which raised household incomes and reduced crime. This he said would be impossible without their financing scheme for start-up operators with no collateral who they also trained and mentored to be successful and serious entrepreneurs.
General secretary of the National Taxi Alliance, Alpheus Mlalazi said the accusations derived from a lack of information on the history and benefits of taxis to society and the national economy.
“We transport 70 percent of work, social and leisure commuters daily with over 300 000 taxis. Like other sections of society, there will be the good and bad hence the reason for law enforcement.”
He said the negative perception of the industry could be addressed through a national discourse inclusive of all road users.
Details: SA Taxi Finance 0861 829 448.
