SANTACO proposes priority N2 outbound lanes from CBD to Jakes Gerwel for taxis and busses in 2025

Lester Kiewit speaks to Mandla Hermanus, the Western Cape chair of the South African National Taxi Association (SANTACO).

The Mini-Bus Taxi Task Team (MBTTT) convened on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for its last meeting of the calendar year.

New projects designed to benefit commuters and the minibus taxi industry were tabled, including the City’s new Transport Regulations WhatsApp channel which streamlines communication with Cape Town’s public transport industry.

Minibus and metered taxi operators can use the WhatsApp line to confirm their operational status, report route conflicts or invasions, schedule meetings with the branch and reference frequently asked questions.

Another project presented at the forum was the proposed plans for Strategic Public transport priority lanes along the N2 outbound from the Cape Town CBD to Jakes Gerwel to help relieve traffic congestion.

The lanes will be exclusively used by public transport vehicles, including Golden Arrow and MyCiTi buses and minibus taxis.

Plans also include what Hermanus describes as 'stop-and-go areas on the sides of the freeway to avoid taxis stopping in the middle of nowhere' along the N2 as there is no space for them to stop.

This is a joint undertaking between the City and WCG (Western Cape Government) scheduled to commence in February 2025.

"We've got a dedicated inbound lane but in the afternoon, we don't have a similar arrangement. As a result, we get a lot of complaints from people in the Woodstock area because taxi drivers try to avoid congestion on the N2 and drive through the streets of Woodstock."

- Mandla Hermanus, Western Cape Chair - SANTACO

"Our suggestion is then to have dedicated outbound lanes for taxis and busses - the same as in the morning... the civil engineers are looking at how this can happen."

- Mandla Hermanus, Western Cape Chair - SANTACO

Hermanus adds that there will also be a programme for drivers, operators and passengers to understand where taxis can and cannot stop, especially in cases where passengers refuse to be dropped off at designated taxi or bus stops.

"Education is also a huge part of this plan."

- Mandla Hermanus, Western Cape Chair - SANTACO

The City also posted the following information to Facebook: