The meter taxi industry operation within the Msunduzi municipality : challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Paper presented at the 28th Annual Southern African Transport Conference 6 - 9 July 2009 "Sustainable Transport", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.Since 1994, the taxi industry transformation has concentrated mainly on the minibus taxi services. The meter taxi industry is also a very important mode of public transport - especially in the context of the country's vision of modal integration and integrated, seamless public passenger transport services. The meter taxi industry plays a crucial role especially in the context of the tourism sector which has continuously experienced a sustained economic boom since 1994. With the 2010 FlFA Soccer World Cup drawing closer, the meter taxi industry is even facing greater potential opportunities in terms of passenger patronage. However there are a number of operational, regulatory and institutional challenges that needs to be addressed in order to ensure that the meter taxi industry provides a service that best meets the needs of its customers and renders a world class service. Drawing from local and international experiences, the proposed paper seeks to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in the meter taxi industry within the Msunduzi municipality. The paper also seeks to recommend the necessary operational, regulatory and institutional interventions to transform the image and service quality of the meter taxi industry to a world class public transport passenger service and experience.