THE eThekwini Transport Authority and Metro Police have began a process of accrediting metered taxis to ensure provision of a decent and satisfactory level of service. 

Once these taxis are accredited, passengers, particularly tourists, can feel safe and be assured of a comfortable travel in a road worthy vehicle.

This system allows metered taxi operators who wish to offer passengers a higher level of service by offering certain minimum standards. 

The green shaded sticker that was used in 2009 will be replaced by a navy blue sticker with a green boundary and soccer balls depicting the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup and Durban with a picture of Moses Mabhida Stadium as one of the host cities. 

A unique number will appear prominently on the sticker and it will enable complaints or compliments to be reported by making reference to this unique number which belongs to that particular vehicle.  This new sticker  must be stuck on the body of the vehicle and will be valid for one year (2010).

For a vehicle to be issued with an accredited sticker, metered taxi operators need to adhere to the following strict criteria :

• valid certificate of fitness/roadworthiness
• a specified operating rank/private base
• permanent metered taxi marking on the vehicle   reflecting company name, address and   telephone number
• paintwork to be dent free, no rust holes, and the  vehicle to be generally clean and tidy
• permanent fitted/fixed roof light
• no torn seats
• carpets to be clean and hole free
• a sealed taxi meter and the tariff to be displayed
• no dim/tinted windows
• tyres to be in good working condition
• an emergency/breakdown triangle
• a spare wheel
• a fire extinguisher
• a passenger liability insurance
• tariff to be displayed on both doors

For more information contact Nathi Sibisi on (031) 31 311 7495 or on  email sibisin@durban.gov.za

Source: Durban