Public transportation in South Africa.

Discussion in 'Labor & Employment' started by Brett Nortje, Dec 19, 2014.

  1. Brett Nortje

    Brett Nortje Well-Known Member

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    I live in Cape Town South Africa, and we have a terrible public transportation system. Recently, thanks to the Democratic Alliance, we have buses that run at night, which is a relief for all the tourists I am sure. But, in the daytime, we have drivers in 'mini buses' - combis like from Volkswagen, the family mini bus - that drive all over the place. I mean, they licenses and everything, but they have a tight schedule to keep the money coming in and fill the taxis up. this leads to, for some reason, total chaos!

    The taxis have a funny attitude. they cut corners and break rules of the road all the time. but, then again, in my country, we have very strict rules. this is because of our inherited colonial system of rule making, and, because we have mixed the very old with the very new. i mean, it is very hard to get a driver's license here, as, the rules are so strict. we would have to catch the traffic department's officers on a good day, when they are in a good mood, before we have a chance. this is why, the best day to go for a drivers test is on Fridays, as Saturdays and the rest they will be thinking of Friday's good vibes - it is the beginning of the weekend! yes!

    Anyway, there is no shortage of drivers and taxis in Cape Town at least. I am sure the owners of cars, which do not make up the majority of drivers on the road, are ticked off at the disregard for the rules they obey. but, then there is a relay culture of sloth here in Cape Town - a feeling of disinterest i find. that said, there needs t be some upgrades to taxis and their operators attitude. so...

    Owners of taxis can get their brakes fixed first. this is cheap and will help a lot. if they group together in unions, they can probably get it done in bulk at the cost of four dollars, or, forty rands. then, they can get their 'insides' fixed up for another bit of money, covering all things that trip people, and, refitting the upholstery or covers for seats. then, they can get the lights fixed, very cheaply. then the gear box, buying and installing in bulk purchases - communication or 'unions' of sorts could help. then, finally, they don't need to go to a panel beater, they can have the outside bought again at a garage - just ask for what you need. hell, they could 'build' a new taxi for cheaper than fixing it individually from parts they have in stock through their unions and things like that. They could scrap the old parts for a few hundred dollars or thousand rands, It is an investment. I have seen people turn taxis down because they looked so old, so, if you get together in a group, i mean, there are so many taxis, they could say take three owners, scrap the old taxis and build another new one that people would like to get into.

    This might take a few days though, while capital or gained money is spent on things like food and rates. of course, it will mean that there will be a better working environment for the operators and people they service. i mean, if it is good enough, even white people, who, through some events, are better off in my country than others, would drive in them. it is cheaper and less stressful to drive in a taxi, of course, as everyone is aware of.

    Now, the attitude of the drivers needs to improve! they always speed and cut corners - they hardly have accidents because others are backing down to the challenge for spaces on the road. this is wrong as it encourages more of this behavior. i mean, does a few seconds really save you time, or put you at 'risk?' i am not saying take their licenses away, i am saying that they must pay for worn cables and dents, this will change their attitude, maybe a contract is in order?

    I am sure with some effort, this can be achieved.
     

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