Taxi operators urged to be professional
Lindiwe Mozola | Tuesday July 28, 2015 15:49
Tlhogo said if taken seriously, the taxi sector has the potential to contribute handsomely to the economic growth of the country.
Tlhogo, who is the department’s chief transport officer, was speaking at the Local Route Mini Pitso held at Thapama hotel recently.
“Most of the taxi drivers are not disciplined. They do not understand the importance of customer service and often disrespect their clients. This is one major factor that hinders the growth of their businesses and by extension the transport industry in the country,” he said.
Tlhogo explained that the DTRS has received many disturbing reports about taxi drivers who refused to take customers to their destinations arguing that roads were bad or the destination of the client was far. He said the permits oblige them to serve the said localities.
He added, “others are overcharging customers, more especially at night although the pricing is supposed to be standard. When you take your business lightly people, especially investors and tourists who may happen to use taxis for the local connections, will not take you seriously.”
Furthermore, he said that bad service by taxi operators to tourists and investors could tarnish the image of Botswana in other countries.
Tlhogo noted that the taxi industry, as part of the transport sector, is a key contributor to the country’s competitiveness in global market hence should be taken seriously.
“The transport sector is regarded as a crucial engine for economic growth and social development which means it should be taken seriously,” he highlighted.
Taxi drivers also raised their concerns towards some of the DTRS operations, which they said often resulted in conflict between them and the customers. They further urged the organisation to make some radical changes in order to grow and improve the taxi industry.
Lloyd Mujokeri of the Francistown Taxi and Combi Association said that the ministry should introduce metre chargers so that they do not overcharge or undercharge their clients.
He said it could also help avoid a situation where taxi drivers shy away from taking some customers to their destinations because they feel it is not cost effective.
“I also find it unfair to charge someone who stays at Gerald Estates the same amount to that of an individual staying within the city centre,” he said.
“Prices of transporting people within a tarred roads versus a gravel road should also vary because at times many taxi operators feel their cars are more vulnerable to damages using gravel roads.
“Additional costs when using a gravel road will help the driver cover damages that may be incurred as a result of using such a road,” added Mujokeri.