Western Cape premier Alan Winde says the province will introduce a new ‘blue dot system’ for taxis as part of its provincial coronavirus recovery plan.<\/p>\n
Winde said that the system follows the successful implementation of the red dot taxi service which aimed to create a safe public transport system for healthcare workers and for those being transported to and from quarantine and isolation facilities.<\/p>\n
The red dot taxi service is delivered by a fleet of almost 200 dedicated minibuses, each fitted with a protective screen between the driver and passengers, a tracker to monitor performance and the recognisable red sticker.<\/p>\n
“Since its launch, the service has completed over 110,000 health worker trips and over 11,400 quarantine and isolation trips.<\/p>\n
“We worked with the taxi industry in the province to ensure that the service they offered was safe- with taxis being regularly sanitised, load numbers managed and a protective screen placed between drivers and passengers.”<\/p>\n
Winde said that the province now plans to introduce a similar system blue sticker system<\/strong> which will identify trustworthy drivers.<\/p>\n “The blue Dot Service will provide monthly incentives to taxi operators and drivers to provide good service and to operate safely. We will use technology and a five-star rating system to track performance against set targets,” he said.<\/p>\n “We intend to roll out the first phase in this financial year, using the Department of Transport and Public Works own resources. ”<\/p>\n Winde said that service will first launch in the Cape Town metro, in partnership with taxi council Santaco, and\u00a0will work with up to 1,000 drivers and operators on priority routes.<\/p>\n “Two-thirds of the province’s commuters currently rely on taxis and the Blue Dot system will help us to improve the service commuters receive, and create a safer experience, while also supporting jobs in the industry,” he said.<\/p>\n
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