26 Oct 2016

Letlhakane Taxi Association chairperson, Mr Moipontshi Pifelo has called for an improved provision of service to the public.

Speaking at a workshop held in partnership with Department of Road Transport and Safety and the police at Letlhakane bus rank recently, Mr Pifelo said taxi operators should desist from seeking specials only as they leave other commuters who cannot afford specials stranded.

He said some operators have a tendency of telling passengers that there were areas that they do not go to despite that the law permits them to go there.

“We should abide by Condition Number 10 of the Passenger Transport Permit including specials by utilising the nominated taxi manager (Rra Buka) to prevent overcrowding and congestion at buses or combis.

In this regard, if the taxi in front is not full and a special demand comes, priority must be given to the taxi in front,” Mr Pifelo said. He added that every taxi operator should be responsible for his or her misconduct in not queuing at a designated place or disobedience to road signs.

Mr Pifelo advised operators to keep their vehicles clean and presentable at all times to improve their public image and to uphold the values of ‘Botho’ including having respect for each other and towards their customers.

The Department of Road Transport and Safety officer, Mr Kereilemang Rantshadi reminded those who are not complying with the Road Traffic Act Chapter 69:01 section 114, which reads: No person shall for the purpose of inviting or obtaining passengers for any public service vehicle make any noise or sound, any instrument or do anything which causes or is likely to cause annoyance, inconvenience or danger to the public.

Station commander for Letlhakane Police Station Superintendent, Michael Maphephu appealed to the taxi operators to work jointly with the police and to obey road signs and all traffic regulations.

He advised the association to liaise with relevant local authorities to seek land to designate areas where they could park their vehicles as the Letlhakane bus rank parking space was inadequate.

Commenting, one taxi operator, Mr Keodiretse Keoletile urged his fellow taxi operators to work together for the benefit of the business and thanked the police and transport officers for the workshop. ENDS