Solution for Ontdekkers-Taxi problem announced

The City of Johannesburg, JMPD and JRA has yesterday announced the way forward regarding the ongoing taxi problem on Ontdekkers Road.

This comes after an almost year-long impact assessment by a special task force consisting of all the city’s transport role players. The report, titled Ontdekkers – Taxis: The road ahead, found the only viable solution to the problem of especially hostility between motorists and taxi drivers, to be a dedicated taxi lane on this major road artery.

One of the lanes in both directions on this stretch of road will be dedicated solely to taxis between 7am and 9am and again between 4pm and 7pm as of 1 May. Although already approved by the city as well as the Gauteng Transport Department, it first will be introduced during a six month experimental phase in order for the authorities to fine-tweak it.

Acting Metro Police spokesperson Terror Selloane spoke firmly and candidly at the press conference.

“Residents of the city must embrace this project and contribute to its success. Motorists who infringe on the taxi’s lane during these hours will feel the full might of the law. The time has come for regular commuters to respect the taxi industry and take hands on the way forward,” said Selloane.

Selloane also said Metro Police will patrol Ontdekkers Road to make sure road users respect the dedicated taxi lane.

The public had until 30 March to comment on the new by-laws that will sanction the change.

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