Delegates at the 42nd Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) currently underway at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Tshwane were surprised to find colourful minibus taxis parked inside the foyer of the venue.
This was a departure from previous years, but proof of the ongoing integration of South Africa’s taxi industry into the mainstream of the country’s transportation planning and policymaking.
New Transport Minister Barbara Creecy officially opened the SATC event on Monday, when she noted that the taxi industry transports about 80% of all users of public transport in the country and must therefore form an integral part of any transport planning approach.
The indoor taxis at the SATC were an eye-catching exhibit by the Wealth On Wheels (WOW) platform. WOW is an initiative led by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) business arm of the Eastern Cape Transport Tertiary Cooperative Limited (ECTTC), in partnership with FORUS Digital and Ecentric Payment Systems. WOW aims to revolutionise South Africa’s minibus taxi industry through innovative digital solutions.
The new system will introduce digital cash payments, advanced fleet and vehicle management systems with GPS, camera monitoring, fuel rebates, and a modernised scholar transport system.
“WOW enhances safety, efficiency, and convenience for both operators and passengers.” Says Dr Nokuthula Mbebe, CEO of ECTTC. “Our mission is to create a safer and smarter service for the commuters and a more prosperous future for everyone involved in the industry.”
The WOW digital payment solutions eliminate the need for cash, offering a safer, more convenient way to pay. Passengers will use cards or mobile apps to pay for their rides, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience, which also reduces the risk of theft.
The WOW initiative is planned to begin rolling out in the Eastern Cape within the quarter.
“ECTTC and SANTACO will support operators to maximise the benefits of the WOW Platform,” says Dr Mbebe. “We are formalising the industry, and creating efficiency and improving services using digital tools. This is in line with the national government's objectives as per the legislation, which is to formalise the taxi industry and to improve public transport in general in South Africa.”
For taxi owners and drivers, the WOW fleet-management tools include advanced GPS tracking and camera surveillance, creating enhanced safety and allowing for the monitoring of vehicles and fleets in real time.
The WOW Platform will roll out a number of initiatives including fuel rebates and Wifi, and will enable operators to offer commuters other value-added services.
“WOW is paving the way for ongoing innovation,” says Dr Mbebe. “We aim to expand our services to include last-mile delivery and rideshare alternatives, ensuring the taxi industry evolves and continues to serve as a backbone of South Africa’s transport infrastructure.”
Statistics South Africa estimates that the minibus taxi industry is the main daily mode of transport for approximately 10.7 million citizens. Presently, there are approximately 250 000 to 300 000 minibus taxis in the country, belonging to an estimated 20 000 owners and 1 200 taxi associations.
- SATC runs from July 8 – 11, with the theme “Upskilling and reskilling the transport industry for current and future challenges.”