Taxi Drivers Make Festive Safety Promise at Joburg’s Noord Rank

Taxi Industry Steps In As Festive Travel Peaks

As Johannesburg’s roads brace for the annual festive season rush, long-distance taxi drivers have made a public commitment to safer travel. At the busy Noord Taxi Rank, drivers and taxi associations signed a road safety pledge aimed at protecting passengers during one of the most dangerous periods on South Africa’s roads.

The pledge, led by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), comes at a time when thousands of commuters rely on long-distance taxis to travel between provinces for Christmas and New Year. For many families, these taxis are the only affordable way home.

Why The Pledge Matters In Gauteng

The festive season has long been associated with a spike in road fatalities, with taxis often in the spotlight due to the volume of passengers they carry. In Gauteng, where Noord Taxi Rank acts as a major departure point for routes across the country, safety concerns are especially sharp.

SANTACO Gauteng spokesperson Sabata Mbobo said the industry could no longer afford to ignore reckless behaviour. He stressed that alcohol would not be tolerated in taxis, whether consumed by drivers or passengers.

According to Mbobo, passengers sometimes make the job harder by drinking while travelling or demanding illegal stops along the route. Even so, he was clear that drivers carry the responsibility of keeping control inside their vehicles and ensuring the rules are enforced.

Zero Tolerance For Alcohol On Board

One of the strongest messages from the pledge is a strict stance on alcohol. Drivers are not permitted to operate vehicles after drinking, and passengers are not allowed to consume alcohol inside taxis.

This issue resonates with many South Africans who have shared troubling travel stories online. On social media, commuters welcomed the pledge, with several users calling for visible enforcement rather than promises alone. Others urged passengers to play their part by respecting drivers and safety rules.

Working With Police To Enforce The Rules

SANTACO has also committed to working closely with law enforcement throughout the festive season. Increased cooperation with traffic officers is expected to focus on roadworthy vehicles, speed compliance, and driver sobriety.

This partnership approach reflects a broader shift within the taxi industry to rebuild public trust. In recent years, pressure has mounted on taxi organisations to improve safety standards and show accountability, especially during high-risk travel periods.

A Step Toward Safer Festive Journeys

While a pledge alone will not solve South Africa’s road safety crisis, it signals an important acknowledgment from the taxi industry that change is needed. For millions of passengers heading home from Johannesburg this December, the hope is that these commitments translate into safer, calmer journeys on the road.

As traffic volumes rise nationwide, both drivers and passengers are being reminded that getting home safely matters more than arriving quickly.

{Source:The South African }

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