Whether you refer to them Siyaya’s, 16-seaters or Quantums, I am certain that each of us has had some form of interaction with these daily part of life beasts. 

Taxi’s are a part of life and I dare not underestimate the important role that these vehicles play in our lives and in making our country work.   

Whether it’s them taking us to and fro work or school, to town and to all the nice places we hang around at, they are quite useful to have around. Useful, until they decide to strike but I digress. 

I know there are some of us who have graduated out of this norm but I invite you to share in the experiences as I feel there is always room and space for common ground. Or if you just want a quick induction or refresher on the do’s and don’ts in a Taxi, you are also in for a treat. 

DO‘s

1. Know the basics. 

Familiarizing yourself with the hand signals is the key towards starting your taxi journey the right way and better yet, know your way around the queues at a taxi rank if not, ask around. Nothing is as embarrassing as getting onto a taxi with an assumption, and then halfway through the journey you realize that the route the taxi is taking is not where you were hoping to go and you have to oddly ask “Kanti where is this taxi going?” 

Hand signals mean you can make a taxi stop without having to shout ‘Taxi!” like how they do it in the movies. Know the basics, I mean’ local’ & ‘town’ hand signs should be second nature and I think also, universal. But be aware, there are some really weird hand signals, some with a bit of movements whilst making them, out there. Tjoo. Bottom line, just know your basics. 

2. Be polite.

A taxi is not your house nor is it your aunt’s place to do as you please so why not greet everyone, including the driver as you enter? Or say ‘Goodbye’ & wish everyone a great day ahead, as you disembark?  I promise that this will not cost you a rand more to your fare. Try it. 

When you have to pass on the collection money per row,  politely tap on the next person’s shoulder or say ‘Excuse me’ infact a ‘Sorry?’ will do wonders for you. Ask politely for your change, if it appears short or you haven’t received it. 

You see the lady with the perm next to the window? She is the self-appointed window operator and subsequently controls it, so ask her nicely if you would like her to open or close the window. 

3. Agree with the driver. 

It’s one of those silent golden rules that a lot of people don’t like but need to comply with for peace. If a driver decides to cross the barrier line or use the emergency lane, just keep quiet. You may, most probaly, be late in some case. If another driver does a mistake on the road which upsets the driver and he makes a comment about it ‘It’s the other driver’s fault obviously!’ 

And now for the deadly DON’Ts

4. Bang the door. 

Who do you think you are by doing such a disrespectful and distateful act? I know some taxi doors, especially those old ones, do have a tendency to self-bang and this usually happens when you are most gentle with them, I know. Just know that if you are going to bang the door, you will get a lashing from the driver. Guaranteed.

5. Use R100 and R200 notes in the morning.

Eish and this is a common one. One driver once said I must make sure that I go buy some archaar the night before at the local spaza shop just to get change, you know. Make things a bit easier for the driver the following day. 

6. Assume that your selected seat is permanent. 

If you are skinny like me, then make sure you are flexible and happy with the idea of being moved from your selected seat. Remember, it’s not your house. There usually is space at the back, just waiting for you when there is only one person left and that person can’t seem to fit there or has lots of luggage. 

Lastly, to round off

No eating. You are lucky if the driver does not mind or does not see you having a bite in their taxi. 

Never refer to the taxi driver as ‘Umageza’ or to the driver’s taxi as ‘a skorokoro’ You will be asking for it. 

If you happen to be the accountant of the taxi, don’t be afraid to whip out your cellphone calculator while executing your voluntary services as some of these taxi fare sums can make those ‘solve for X’ exercizes seem like they were child’s play. Bare in mind that there are those Taxi drivers who prefer multi-tasking and want to do this themselves. Be relieved and open to that. Also, make sure that your accountant does a good job, to the driver’s satisfaction or ‘silence’ or else… 

Hate or love them, these vehicles play a big role in our societies, contribute to the spirit of community and enable people to have the ability to travel around with ease (at times)