Alberton Mall has opened a new taxi rank as part of an initiative to make shopping more convenient and accessible for customers.

The taxi rank officially opened on August 14, bringing together the mall management and the GATA taxi association after years of discussions and negotiations.

According to Alberton Mall asset manager Andre van Niekerk, the initiative started about four years ago and was driven by the need to make it easier for shoppers to get their parcels and shopping to their transport without having to walk to the taxi rank, as the new rank is located closer to the mall and provides easier access to taxis.

“We’ve been working, trying to get the Taxi Association for more than the last four years. It’s been a long journey,” he said.

He said there had been challenges along the way, including discussions with the council and the taxi association, but the mall continued working towards finding a solution.

Van Niekerk said the new taxi rank represents a new beginning and an opportunity for the mall and taxi association to work together.

He acknowledged that there could be challenges as the new system gets underway but said these would be addressed through communication and regular meetings.

The initiative is intended to provide a more convenient service for shoppers, particularly those carrying parcels and groceries, while also improving access to public transport from the mall.

GATA chairperson Matterson Smuts was also present at the opening, marking the start of the taxi association’s involvement in the new facility.

“I would like to thank Alberton Mall management for working with us and for their patience throughout this journey. It took time, but today we have finally joined hands and made this possible. We appreciate everyone who played a role in making the taxi rank a reality,” he said.