Many road users across many social media platforms have expressed their dismay and anger at the reckless driving behaviour of some minibus taxi drivers. We are not saying they are all reckless – Fact is that on the 1st of January 2014 there were 289, 000 registered minibuses on our roads and we will find the reckless drivers amongst this group! We are aware of efforts by Taxi Associations such as Santaco to address driver behaviour through training and awareness campaigns. Unfortunately there are some drivers who show a complete disregard for not only other road users but also their passengers!
It is important though that we not only express our dismay at the reckless drivers, but also spare a thought and a few prayers for those who are dependant on this transport and who do not have others modes of transport to get from home to work!
The Arrive Alive website received the following email from a commuter:
Subject: REPORT DANGEROUS TAXI DRIVER
Message:
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DISCRIPTION OF DRIVER: SHORT,FAIR COMPLEXION, 30YRS OLD TSWANA SPEAKING MAN
VEHICLE TYPE: WHITE QUARTUM MINI BUS : CC 05 YT-GP
I was in a taxi to PTA NORTH at about 13h35 on the 11th January 2014. We were about 10 passengers in that taxi. The driver started driving fast to get more passengers along the road towards PTA NORTH. That took place just after the Wonderpark bridge on RACHEL DE BEER ROAD.
He was just changing lanes from left to right without indicating or very short alert indcation to the cars behind us. Within a distance of about 200m , he changed lanes 3 times. Cars behind us were just continously hooting for him. Some of us were to get off on the road before reaching PTA NORTH. He just did not care about our safety but money.
We felt unsafe in his taxi and asked him politely to please use the left lane rather so that it would be easy for him to stop without causing danger to us and other drivers on the road. He then pulled off the road and stopped just to shout at us with an arrogant and disrespectful voice.
He told us that he is chasing another taxi so that he could get some passengers. He mentioned that he does not care about our safety but money, and that he has being driving taxis for 5yrs. We had no right to tell him how to drive. Cars behind us were inconvenienced by him.
He then drove back to the road and still saying lots of unreasonable words. I got off Gerrit Marritz street. He then proceeded with his journey with some other passengers in the taxi.
PLEASE HELP US FIGHT THESE KIND OF DRIVERS.
Yours Faithfully
We will share this with the RTMC in an effort to address this with the Taxi Association and taxi owners.
To report bad driving you can also do so online via the Arrive Alive website
