Diva’s Closet – taxi etiquette
Sitting by the door automatically means that you are the door keeper.
Dineo Moloko
There is some kind of unwritten rule book of do’s and don’ts on how to behave in a taxi.
No one ever tells you about any of these rules, you just have to learn as you travel and hope that you don’t break a rule prior to that.
Trying to pass money to the person in front of you, you should politely say “sorry” and pass the money and say how many people the money is for or say “Ngicela ubambe la” which means “please take this”. If you dare to tap on someone’s shoulder be prepared to deal with the bear you unleash.
Sitting by the door automatically means that you are the door keeper. Your job is to open the door for people who would like to get off and get in. After all a taxi ride is a communal thing.
And don’t you dare not close the door when you get off at the risk of being glared at by angry commuters and being told that “vala umnyango… a se trein e” which means “close the door, this is not a train”.
Do not forget the dreaded front seat. Even the best of accountants sweats at the thought of sitting in the front seat. The money counting, would have you taking off your shoes and socks just to make sure that you calculated right. If not counted right, it is back to the taxi rank or a complete stop till all things add up and I’m sure no one wants to be responsible for making others late.
And during morning rush hour, make sure you have the exact amount to pay or you will be told about how the taxi is not a bank and you should have bought bread to change the money. He will then tell you that you pass a hundred shops on your way and you didn’t at least think that you should pass and change your money. As if we all live next-door to the 24-hour shop.
Don’t even think about eating inside the taxi or you will be paying for the next car wash.
Don’t even have any visible food items because you will feel the wrath of the previous commuter whose child messed all over the seats.
These rules are to be adhered to by all commuters, They are unwritten but the moment you enter the taxi you have to adhere to them.
Don’t even think of adjusting them to suit your means or you will be paying penalties. My advice is simple – just comply and your commuter life will be nothing but joy.
