Intro:

South Africa's transport system is at a crossroads.

The taxi industry, unchecked and unregulated, in its current form, is causing havoc and stress on our roads and in our communities. But together, with a threefold approach - economic empowerment, strong law enforcement and new, more accessible & integrated public transport, deeply connected and supported technology - we will pave the way to safer, more efficient transport for all.

This is a plan that will work… if you support and promote it. #TaxiMafiaMustFall

With enough support - at least greater than a 100 000 supporters - the next steps to implement this initiative can be taken to build & implement the below process and system, for real change to our commuter & road landscape.

The Problem:

1. Mini-bus Taxi-related violence and intimidation endangers daily commuters.
2. The “Taxi Mafia” abuses uses its power over commuters, road users, and the economy itself to affect its will.
3. Workers are trapped in a cycle of choosing unsafe, affordable taxis.
4. Mini-bus taxis have filled a void of a lack in public transport system adoption.

The Solution:

A Three-Pronged Approach, Enabled by Technology:

Economic Empowerment:

• Employers fund work-related public transport - Commit employers to provide a monthly transport allowance, over and above salaries, ensuring workers can access safer transportation modes like buses and trains. Thus, completely removing the main driver towards the use of improperly regulated taxi's which fund the "Taxi Mafia".
• Commuters access the allowance via a SnapScan-style QR code scan on the legal and validated transport of their choice, using their personal phones.
• Savings commuters would enjoy can then be redirected to other much needed living expenses, further improving the lives of those commuters.

Robust Law Enforcement:

• Commuters may be able to request police assistance with taxi-related violence and violations via the mobile app.
• Call for increased visibility and action from the Traffic Department, particularly in lower income areas.
• Protect bus, train & vetted, legal taxi transportation and commuters from intimidation and possible violence from aggrieved taxi mafia operators during the transition period towards full public transport adoption.

Accessible Public Transport:

• Engage with the Department of Transport to ensure all taxi commuters have access to newly integrated public transport without the need to directly pay.
• Drive improvements to public transport services as a result of improved revenue from more commuters via the proposed system.
• Encourage collaboration between public transport entities to make the system seamless for users.

Benefits:

1. Safer, more efficiently utilised roads with reduced taxi-related disruptions.
2. Dramatic reduction in taxi-related crimes.
3. Empowered workers who don't compromise safety for affordability.
4. Lower cost of travel for workers to provide for more funds for other critical expenses.
5. Streamlined and improve public transportation for the benefit of all citizens.
6. Noticeably reduced traffic congestion on all roads at peak hours, improving travel times for all road users to and from work.
7. Reduce total vehicle emissions at peak hours to reduce such contribution to climate change.

Your Role:

Are you an employer, formal or informal?

• Would you support a system that grants your employees such safer travel options and economic position? 

Are you an employee that would benefit from the better, safer, and paid for public transport?

• Would you support this initiative and propose the implementation of such a system by your employer?

Act Now:

Sign this petition if you believe in a brighter, safer transportation future for South Africa and believe such a solution can work for the betterment of all.

Together, we can drive change.