The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works has partnered with the City of Cape Town public transport to start the new Blue Dot taxi service.
News24 reported that the Blue Dot taxi service is a plan to reward minibus taxi drivers for their improved driving and service while reducing their illegal driving habits and violent conflicts.
According to the Western Cape Government site, a total of 1300 minibus taxis across the Western Cape will be part of this new driving behaviour and higher service quality.
Eight regions are taking part in the Blue Dot taxi service:
- Boland
- CATA
- CODETA
- Eden
- Greater Cape Town
- Mitchells Plain
- Northern
- Two Oceans
The taxi owners and drivers must have their documentation in order to complete a training course for Blue Dot. The taxi vehicle will have a valid roadworthy certificate and will be fitted with a tracker and branding by the department.
BusinessTech has included that passengers and members of the public will be able to rate their drivers anonymously. To rate a Blue Dot taxi, users can dial *134*3047# for free or Whatsapp “Hi” to 073 249 2152 with the unique number situated on the taxi.
?? The Blue Dot Taxi pilot project went live last weekend. The project is an incentive scheme to reward improved minibus taxi driving behaviour and service quality, while reducing the risk of illegal operations and violent conflict. Find out more: https://t.co/QlzQQDECzP pic.twitter.com/rTlJb2VgZM
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) May 21, 2021
When you submit your rating, you will need to assess the following:
- How well the driving was
- Was there any speeding
- Following the rules and regulations of the road
- If the taxi is too full
Picture: Twitter / @ArriveAlive