Taxi associations in Rustenburg say they are ready to deal with high traffic volumes, as holidaymakers return from their destinations on Tuesday and so far fifteen fatalities have been recorded in the province since April 1.
About 700 people have been arrested across the country for various traffic offences. South African National Taxi Council’s (Santaco) deputy chairperson Herman Sebego, said they’re ready to handle commuters throughout the province and those traveling from the Eastern Cape and Lesotho.
“Some will need transport to ferry them to different locations like Phokeng, Luka, Bleskop, after hours when they arrive. All our associations Chairpersons, queue marshals and drivers are ready to work after hours, so that no one is left stranded,” said Sebego.
Bleskop Taxi Association Chairperson Lucas Motswatswa said as the Rustenburg Regional Taxi Council, which includes Bleskop, they’re more than ready to ferry the commuters, adding that they have the capacity and nothing will deter them from transporting commuters.
The North West MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, has appealed to road users to be patient as the traffic flow is expected to peak after the long Easter weekend.
The MEC has urged drivers to keep safe following distance, drive within the speed limit and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
“We plead with all road users to abide by the traffic regulations and arrive alive. We are also appealing to pedestrians to be extra careful when crossing the roads as there is a steady increase of statistics of people hit by vehicles especially at night’, said MEC Lehari.
Lehari has also encouraged commuters to go to official bus and taxi ranks instead of hiking spots which are often a source of conflicts between motorists and legal permit holders.
