Metered taxis to launch panic button for commuters facing threats

JOHANNESBURG - Metered taxis will soon be launching a digital impempe, a panic button for its commuters facing threats.

The button will work through an app that passengers can download, connecting them to association leaders who will come to the rescue.

The SA Metered Taxi and E-hailing Association announced this on Tuesday at a press briefing in Johannesburg.

In attendance at the conference was SANTACO, who has committed to working harmoniously with e-hailing drivers, committing to monitor drivers by increasing security in hotspots.

SANTACO also added that they were considering going cashless to lower the risks of drivers being targeted for travelling with cash.

This is while the e-hailing associations want to have panic buttons in their vehicles.

Its chairperson, Sibongenseni Shange, explained how it would work.

"You press the button and communicate with anyone at a given time, like an operator and patroller, at any given time."

The two parties said these were their efforts in ensuring passenger safety.