Save Our Taxis, Save Us!
This is an open letter addressed to the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA), the Traffic Management Unit of the City of Windhoek, the City Police and the crime Prevention Unit of the City of Windhoek, NAMPOL; the Department of Transport of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication, and, last but not least, all taxi owners and/or drivers and the general public.
As a regular taxi passenger, I have had the strangest experiences
in taxis and with their drivers over the years.
At times, some of these rides were life-threatening and, in my
opinion, the relevant authorities have done little to curb the
appalling problems most of us have to endure on a daily basis.
I wish to raise awareness with regard to the safety and
roadworthiness of taxis, the trustworthiness, vigilance and
co-operation of drivers and fellow passengers, and, finally, make
recommendations to relevant policy makers and stakeholders.
THE DRIVER:
- Here is one thing I will NEVER understand how a taxi driver
cannot have small change! Based on experience, I have learnt to pay
the minimum amount only, because at times you will find that the
driver, kamma, does not have small change, and so refuses to return
your N$10 note when you only have to pay N$5.
- Many taxi drivers do not keep to the normal recommended and
set rates.
By the way
- can somebody please tell me why Khomasdal taxis charge more
than Katutura taxis? Even in Katutura, there are fixed taxi ranks,
the same as in Khomasdal, yet some Khomasdal taxi drivers seem to
be fond of exploiting people financially.
They will charge you double even if your ultimate destination is
ten metres from the taxi rank.
- On a few occasions, I have found myself sitting on a
passenger's lap or cramped in with someone on the front left seat!
This, after I have thought the taxi was relatively safe for me to
ride in.
Along the way, these taxi drivers instructed me to simply shift
up or pay their money and get out.
What other choice do you have if it was your only money and your
destiny was still very far away?
- Imagine the following scene: You come from work, very tired
and end up in a taxi with music as loud as the sound they make at
the local club.
When asking some of the drivers to decrease the volume, they
either threaten, ignore or scream at you.
- Ever had the experience where drivers drive all over Windhoek
with you, even when you told him that you have to be in time for
work or some meeting? They usually end up picking up other
passengers along the way and dropping them off first, your request
all forgotten.
- Can somebody please tell me what the hell is wrong with the
sense of speed of taxi drivers? At times you pray to God for the
ride to just end! Some taxi drivers even drive while drunk or
drugged.
Some even smoke and do not bother to ask for permission.
- I have had countless experiences with taxi drivers that do not
put on their safety belt, even if I insist on them doing so.
It is shocking how many accidents taxis cause annually, yet
these people do not care a dime for the lives of others.
- How many drivers have you seen speaking on a cell phone or
eating and/or drinking while driving? At a time when both their
hands are supposed to be on the steering wheel?
- Ever noticed how taxi drivers quarrel or fight and even tug at
your clothes or pull you to and fro at many taxi ranks around
Windhoek? If you want to see that go to the UNAM public taxi
terminal or the Wernhill Park taxi ranks.
- And can somebody also tell me why you must pay for a child
sitting on your lap, especially after the driver asks you to take
the child on your lap?
- In general, I have learned, never to attempt to question
matters in a taxi.
You might just end up with a bullet or two in the head!
THE CAR:
- Some taxis either do not have safety belts and even if they
have, are out of order or are extremely dirty, messing up one's
clothes.
It is general knowledge that seat belts minimise deaths and
injuries or do taxi drivers not know this?
- It is also surprising how many taxis have either broken or
malfunctioning doors that do not close properly.
And on top of this, their safety knobs are out of order,
malfunction or are missing.
- Some taxis also either have some windows broken or are out of
order.
Due to these problems with windows, I have had to endure cold,
heat, wind and rain.
In the event of a malfunctioning seat belt, the front screen can
be a potential buffer too when a passenger is flung forward.
- I was shocked the other day that a taxi I was travelling in
had no interior and exterior rear-view mirrors! And to think we
trust these people with our lives! Where on earth are traffic
police when such things happen?
- One that tops the list of irresponsibility and sloppiness is
the petrol gauge and speedometer that do not operate properly.
Maybe taxis are so fast that they give the illusion of standing
still!
- Other essential parts that are sometimes out of order, are
headlights, indicators, hooters and interior overhead lamps.
Even if they are working, some drivers seem simply not to be
bothered by potential hazards, especially with regard to
indicators.
The only times, it seems to me, they use their horns and
interior overhead lamps are, when they are beeping for a passenger
to make money and when they want to count taxi fares at night!
- How many taxis are not causing more pollution than they are
already contributing with smoking exhausts?
- Messy interiors and exteriors also ask for treatment here.
Some taxis are dusty and oily on the inside, soiling passengers'
clothes.
Litter such as empty bottles lying around in the car could also
be potential danger.
- Finally, some taxis do not bear the necessary taxi light on
the roof or the usual address of the taxi driver to show that it is
a legitimate taxi! Some of you taxi drivers are criminals, just as
some of us passengers are criminals too.
Therefore, it is just safer and more responsible to know and be
sure that you are driving in an acknowledged and legitimate taxi!
THE PASSENGERS: I have the following against fellow passengers;
- They seem to be supporting pirate taxis, making matter worse
for registered drivers and unnecessarily endangering their own
lives and harming the industry in general;
- They do not ask for references, credentials and address
details, and
- They are not supportive of fellow passengers with regard to
issues of safety, rates, threats, unfairness, etc.
If we do not stand together, how do we think we will improve
matters? We should learn to think, talk and act win-win.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- First things first.
NABTA must assign numbers to taxis for easy and quick
reference.
It will make things easier for the police, NABTA and passengers
in general, especially when it comes to passengers' safety.
Such numbers should be displayed in the form of a large sticker
to the sides and rear of taxis.
- The rates for all taxis should be uniform, irrespective of
whether a taxi is from Khomasdal or Katutura.
- In addition to the taxi driver's address and telephone number
as well as the lamp on the roof, all taxis should display the NABTA
and police emergency telephone numbers as well as speed limit
stickers for obvious, necessary and important reasons.
- Perhaps there exists, but I do not know of a policy on
firearms and other weapons for taxi drivers and a public transport
safety act.
- Information brochures on taxi services, fares, safety, etc.,
should be made available to the public on a bi-annual basis, with
particular reference to tourists.
- I would like to know how many taxi drivers are registered with
the Social Security Commission and the Ministry of Finance?
- Can the relevant authorities come up with a tracking system?
Through this, reported taxis or drivers can be easily tracked down
by means of satellite and computer technology.
Tracking devices, therefore, should be installed in all
taxis.
- Authorities can also formulate a standard sign-up form for
taxi service usage by passengers wishing to hire one taxi on a
permanent basis
- such as for workers and school children.
Standard Procedures Before Issuing Taxi Licences:
- All taxis should have emergency equipment and a city map.
- All taxi drivers should carry the following on their person
when driving a taxi: A Namibian ID or passport, a NABTA
registration card with the taxi number, a passport photo and name
of the driver, etc., taxi licence with address details, and a
driver's licence.
- The taxi owner and/or driver should first produce a police
crime clearance report for reasons of public safety.
- Taxi registrations and inspections should be done on a regular
basis for roadworthiness and safety.
- Even when a taxi driver has a taxi licence, he or she should
be subjected to tests for driving skills, mental health (sanity),
physical health (in cases where it might compromise the safety of
passengers, fellow road users), knowledge of road signs, blood
tests (for signs of substance abuse) and eye tests.
- Taxi drivers should be armed with emergency skills such as
what to do during a fire hazard, collision, armed robbery, etc.
- After having complied with all standard requirements, the
relevant authorities (NABTA) should assign endorsement signs in the
form of a sticker for display on taxis.
Passengers can then rest assured that the taxi bears the quality
seal of approval of this body.
- Finally, I would like to urge NABTA to facilitate the purchase
and sale of ALL taxi licences.
Taxi licence owners should therefore not be allowed to sell
licences directly to other people, but through the Association.
Although some of the above mentioned recommendations may seem
far-fetched, it is vital that the relevant authorities stay abreast
of criminal trends and so ensure the safety of the public at
large.
Save Namibia
At times, some of these rides were life-threatening and, in my
opinion, the relevant authorities have done little to curb the
appalling problems most of us have to endure on a daily basis.I
wish to raise awareness with regard to the safety and
roadworthiness of taxis, the trustworthiness, vigilance and
co-operation of drivers and fellow passengers, and, finally, make
recommendations to relevant policy makers and stakeholders.THE
DRIVER:- Here is one thing I will NEVER understand how a taxi
driver cannot have small change! Based on experience, I have learnt
to pay the minimum amount only, because at times you will find that
the driver, kamma, does not have small change, and so refuses to
return your N$10 note when you only have to pay N$5.- Many taxi
drivers do not keep to the normal recommended and set rates.By the
way- can somebody please tell me why Khomasdal taxis charge more
than Katutura taxis? Even in Katutura, there are fixed taxi ranks,
the same as in Khomasdal, yet some Khomasdal taxi drivers seem to
be fond of exploiting people financially.They will charge you
double even if your ultimate destination is ten metres from the
taxi rank.- On a few occasions, I have found myself sitting on a
passenger's lap or cramped in with someone on the front left seat!
This, after I have thought the taxi was relatively safe for me to
ride in.Along the way, these taxi drivers instructed me to simply
shift up or pay their money and get out.What other choice do you
have if it was your only money and your destiny was still very far
away?- Imagine the following scene: You come from work, very tired
and end up in a taxi with music as loud as the sound they make at
the local club.When asking some of the drivers to decrease the
volume, they either threaten, ignore or scream at you.- Ever had
the experience where drivers drive all over Windhoek with you, even
when you told him that you have to be in time for work or some
meeting? They usually end up picking up other passengers along the
way and dropping them off first, your request all forgotten.- Can
somebody please tell me what the hell is wrong with the sense of
speed of taxi drivers? At times you pray to God for the ride to
just end! Some taxi drivers even drive while drunk or drugged.Some
even smoke and do not bother to ask for permission.- I have had
countless experiences with taxi drivers that do not put on their
safety belt, even if I insist on them doing so.It is shocking how
many accidents taxis cause annually, yet these people do not care a
dime for the lives of others.- How many drivers have you seen
speaking on a cell phone or eating and/or drinking while driving?
At a time when both their hands are supposed to be on the steering
wheel?- Ever noticed how taxi drivers quarrel or fight and even tug
at your clothes or pull you to and fro at many taxi ranks around
Windhoek? If you want to see that go to the UNAM public taxi
terminal or the Wernhill Park taxi ranks.- And can somebody also
tell me why you must pay for a child sitting on your lap,
especially after the driver asks you to take the child on your
lap?- In general, I have learned, never to attempt to question
matters in a taxi.You might just end up with a bullet or two in the
head!THE CAR:- Some taxis either do not have safety belts and even
if they have, are out of order or are extremely dirty, messing up
one's clothes.It is general knowledge that seat belts minimise
deaths and injuries or do taxi drivers not know this?- It is also
surprising how many taxis have either broken or malfunctioning
doors that do not close properly.And on top of this, their safety
knobs are out of order, malfunction or are missing.- Some taxis
also either have some windows broken or are out of order.Due to
these problems with windows, I have had to endure cold, heat, wind
and rain.In the event of a malfunctioning seat belt, the front
screen can be a potential buffer too when a passenger is flung
forward.- I was shocked the other day that a taxi I was travelling
in had no interior and exterior rear-view mirrors! And to think we
trust these people with our lives! Where on earth are traffic
police when such things happen?- One that tops the list of
irresponsibility and sloppiness is the petrol gauge and speedometer
that do not operate properly.Maybe taxis are so fast that they give
the illusion of standing still!- Other essential parts that are
sometimes out of order, are headlights, indicators, hooters and
interior overhead lamps.Even if they are working, some drivers seem
simply not to be bothered by potential hazards, especially with
regard to indicators.The only times, it seems to me, they use their
horns and interior overhead lamps are, when they are beeping for a
passenger to make money and when they want to count taxi fares at
night!- How many taxis are not causing more pollution than they are
already contributing with smoking exhausts?- Messy interiors and
exteriors also ask for treatment here.Some taxis are dusty and oily
on the inside, soiling passengers' clothes.Litter such as empty
bottles lying around in the car could also be potential danger.-
Finally, some taxis do not bear the necessary taxi light on the
roof or the usual address of the taxi driver to show that it is a
legitimate taxi! Some of you taxi drivers are criminals, just as
some of us passengers are criminals too.Therefore, it is just safer
and more responsible to know and be sure that you are driving in an
acknowledged and legitimate taxi! THE PASSENGERS: I have the
following against fellow passengers;- They seem to be supporting
pirate taxis, making matter worse for registered drivers and
unnecessarily endangering their own lives and harming the industry
in general;- They do not ask for references, credentials and
address details, and- They are not supportive of fellow passengers
with regard to issues of safety, rates, threats, unfairness, etc.If
we do not stand together, how do we think we will improve matters?
We should learn to think, talk and act win-win.RECOMMENDATIONS:-
First things first.NABTA must assign numbers to taxis for easy and
quick reference.It will make things easier for the police, NABTA
and passengers in general, especially when it comes to passengers'
safety.Such numbers should be displayed in the form of a large
sticker to the sides and rear of taxis.- The rates for all taxis
should be uniform, irrespective of whether a taxi is from Khomasdal
or Katutura.- In addition to the taxi driver's address and
telephone number as well as the lamp on the roof, all taxis should
display the NABTA and police emergency telephone numbers as well as
speed limit stickers for obvious, necessary and important reasons.-
Perhaps there exists, but I do not know of a policy on firearms and
other weapons for taxi drivers and a public transport safety act.-
Information brochures on taxi services, fares, safety, etc., should
be made available to the public on a bi-annual basis, with
particular reference to tourists.- I would like to know how many
taxi drivers are registered with the Social Security Commission and
the Ministry of Finance?- Can the relevant authorities come up with
a tracking system? Through this, reported taxis or drivers can be
easily tracked down by means of satellite and computer
technology.Tracking devices, therefore, should be installed in all
taxis.- Authorities can also formulate a standard sign-up form for
taxi service usage by passengers wishing to hire one taxi on a
permanent basis- such as for workers and school children.Standard
Procedures Before Issuing Taxi Licences:- All taxis should have
emergency equipment and a city map.- All taxi drivers should carry
the following on their person when driving a taxi: A Namibian ID or
passport, a NABTA registration card with the taxi number, a
passport photo and name of the driver, etc., taxi licence with
address details, and a driver's licence.- The taxi owner and/or
driver should first produce a police crime clearance report for
reasons of public safety.- Taxi registrations and inspections
should be done on a regular basis for roadworthiness and safety.-
Even when a taxi driver has a taxi licence, he or she should be
subjected to tests for driving skills, mental health (sanity),
physical health (in cases where it might compromise the safety of
passengers, fellow road users), knowledge of road signs, blood
tests (for signs of substance abuse) and eye tests.- Taxi drivers
should be armed with emergency skills such as what to do during a
fire hazard, collision, armed robbery, etc.- After having complied
with all standard requirements, the relevant authorities (NABTA)
should assign endorsement signs in the form of a sticker for
display on taxis.Passengers can then rest assured that the taxi
bears the quality seal of approval of this body.- Finally, I would
like to urge NABTA to facilitate the purchase and sale of ALL taxi
licences.Taxi licence owners should therefore not be allowed to
sell licences directly to other people, but through the
Association.Although some of the above mentioned recommendations
may seem far-fetched, it is vital that the relevant authorities
stay abreast of criminal trends and so ensure the safety of the
public at large.Save Namibia