POLOKWANE – Limpopo National Taxi Alliance spokesperson Frans Kgasago has said they are using October as the nationally recognised Transport Month to educate taxi industry workers about service delivery under the theme ‘Ndlelantle’, which translates to ‘travel safely’.
The initiative, which they kick-started in September, sees drivers and passengers receive questionnaires that would help the alliance improve service delivery and working conditions.
“Please look out for our foot soldiers who are wearing reflective jackets written ‘Ndlelanetle NTA’ and ask for a short questionnaire which they will help you fill in,” he remarked.
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Kgasago said when October comes to a close, they wish to have upskilled taxi operators, taxi marshalls and ranks managers with appropriate ways of interacting and pleasing customers.
“When a customer asks to be dropped off at point A, instead of taking them to their requested destination, while approaching Point B, their taxi operator may ask another driver to take them to Point A, which was their job. That is not what we call ‘Ndlelantle’.”
He adds that taxi operators should not risk their lives by extending travelling distances to over 200km without taking needed rests, as fatigue is one of the major causes of motor-vehicle accidents.
Further mentioning required etiquette from passengers, Kgasago said they will also empasise that alcohol-consumption is unacceptable in the taxis, either by the operator or passengers.
They wish to continue with the spirit of educating all taxi industry workers even after October.
“We want to do this even after Transport Month. Even though, questionnaires may not always be available, customers should know that they are more than welcome to visit our offices located in Polokwane whenever there are enquiries,” he concluded.
