Revolutionising the Newcastle taxi rank
"This system will definitely change taxi ranks across the country when we apply it properly here in Newcastle, first!
Determined to become one of the most technologically advanced cities in the country, the Newcastle Municipality is making waves in trying to revolutionise the taxi rank.
The revolution begins with a licence; a licence to be in the Newcastle and surrounding area taxi ranks, which will only be issued by Protection Service’s traffic department.
Through the use of boom gate controlled systems, only licensed vehicles will be allowed to enter the taxi rank.
“This system will definitely change taxi ranks across the country when we apply it properly here in Newcastle, first! We want to be a pioneer city in the country, and this is just one of the ways forward,” explained Newcastle Mayor, Afzul Rehman.
The licences will be distributed to Newcastle’s different taxi associations through the traffic department, and each licence will be unique to the taxi, its driver and the association they belong to.
These licences will also help the police in investigations.
“The taxi rank violence will become a thing of the past in our taxi ranks. We want our people to feel safer, and this is just one of the things we want to bring forward,” said Cllr Rehman.
According to Manager of Protection Services, Vish Govender, this process would allow the municipality to also monitor dealings within the taxi rank.
Mr Govender explained through these services, illegal taxi operators could be found and disbanded.
“Many municipalities have implemented the use of licences, but ours are unique because of the boom control. These systems will all be digital, and people found trying to cheat the system will be charged,” said Mr Govender.
Some municipal officials believe this is the way forward in bringing control to an industry, which has for a very long time escaped the control of government.
