NSTA revamps taxi system for safety

The Northern Suburbs Taxi Association (NSTA) has implemented a new transportation system that aims to improve the safety and efficiency of the public transport sector in the northern and surrounding areas and within the community.

There will be several changes that the system wants to include that commuters should be aware of, said NSTA spokesperson Kavith Mungru.

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He added that the new system is currently operating in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. Among the reasons the NSTA has implemented the system is the decline in the number of people paying full fares.

“We have found at times the full fare is not being paid as people don’t wait at the stops and then the full fare is not paid. We have to take into account that we need to pay for fuel, maintenance and ensure that everyone is able to take an income home,” said Mungru.

The key changes include passengers being allowed to board only at designated taxi ranks. Taxis will no longer fetch passengers outside of the demarcated ranks.

The existing fare of R17 remains unchanged. The fare from Raisethorpe/Bombay Road to Northdale is only R14. Strict adherence to this policy means that no discounted rates will be permitted.

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Mungru said following suggestions from the community, the association has removed half the taxis from circulation so that everyone has the opportunity to get passengers.

“The primary motivation behind these changes is to prevent unhealthy competition among taxi drivers, preventing endangering the lives of our passengers. By ensuring taxis only pick up passengers at designated ranks, we aim to reduce congestion and improve the overall safety on our roads.

“We have listened to numerous suggestions from our community concerning the over-congestion of taxis and have taken significant steps to address these concerns. The reduction in the number of taxis on the road is a direct response to these community inputs,” said Mungru.

Mungru said so far, the system is already working in the PMB CBD and the economic situation following Covid-19 has also contributed to the new system.

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“A lot of passengers started working from home during Covid19 and continue to do so. There was no recovery following that period. We are also competing against e-hailing drivers. We are improving the system so that the passengers are taken care of and we all are able work together.

“We thank the community for their cooperation and support as we work towards providing a safer and more efficient transportation system,” said Mungru.

Ward 30 DA Councillor Rachel Soobiah said that she was not aware of the new system that is being implemented.

“More should have been done to consult with the community before this plan was implemented. The concern is the community and how it will affect them. Residents should be advised more about how it will work. I don’t think this will work.

What will happen to the pupils, will they be delayed as they have to wait at the rank?” asked Soobiah.

Community leader Rajesh Ramnunan said he is concerned for the elderly and how they will manage with the system.

“We are willing to work together with the system but my concern is the elderly and how they will manage. What distance will they have to walk just to get to a rank and how long will they wait? How will the safety of the community be assured while they are at the rank?” asked Ramnunan.

The NSTA said it was committed to continuously improve the public transportation system. “We encourage commuters to share their suggestions and recommendations with us. Please contact the NSTA office at 033 387 5062 or via email at NSTA.office@ gmail.com