Menlyn mall taxi rank to open in May – MMC
Once the taxi rank is complete, TMPD will ensure adherence to by-laws and that no taxi rank activity is allowed outside the mall.
The formal taxi rank at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria east will be operational as early as May this year.
This is according to MMC for roads and transport, Katlego Mathebe.
Mathebe said construction of the taxi facility at the shopping centre is at an advanced stage.
“Practical completion date will be at the end of April, and occupation by the affected taxis in May this year.”
She said the taxi rank will eliminate the public transport chaos on the intersection of Lois Avenue and Atterbury Road at the entrance to the east mall.
“For decades public transport operations at the intersection have been characterised by chaos and safety concerns as commuters had to stand in long queues on the side of the road.”
She said as soon as the facility is completed, the affected taxis will operate from a dedicated space.
“There will be no street taxi ranking and holding on the sidewalk as the Tshwane metro police (TMPD) will continue to monitor the area.”
She said the TMPD will regularly monitor the intersection.
“Monitoring and control will further be conducted by the roads and transport department through regular engagements with the leadership of Tshwane Taxi Industry (TTI), informal traders and the affected primary taxi associations.”
She said the new designated rank will solve the current situation at the intersection or outside the mall.
“It is expected once completed, taxis operating at the corner of Lois and Atterbury will be relocated into the shopping centre and no operations will be permitted at the current site, law enforcement operation will further be strengthened.”
The fear of crime related to the informal taxi rank is believed to have scared away many customers.
However extensive engagement and negotiation between the leadership of the taxi industry, the city and the centre yielded results when the shopping centre management offered to convert a portion of the parking area into a holding area for minibus taxis.
The facility would offer additional parking bays for taxi holding purposes, which could accommodate approximately 135 taxis.
Mathebe said the city, the shopping centre and the taxi industry signed an agreement of lease (AoL) in November 2023.
“The shopping centre management commenced with the due processes which saw the beginning of construction of the taxi facilities inside the shopping centre.
The shopping centre management has also proceeded with the preparation of the hand-over of the facility to the taxi industry.”
She said the taxi rank at the mall would build up to a long-term and permanent intermodal public transport facility in the area.
“Investing in transport infrastructure is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the city to fully execute its service delivery mandate. Well-maintained transport infrastructure not only gives dignity to the users but also promotes health and safety standards,” Mathebe said.
The maintenance work to be done at the rank includes repair and upgrade of ablution blocks, restrooms, office blocks, platform shelters and benches, as well as electrical works.
After upgrading the formal Menlyn mall taxi rank, the metro intends to upgrade other taxi ranks around the city.
The following taxi ranks have been prioritised for maintenance and upgrade this financial year to the combined value of R2.6-million:
– Mabopane Station taxi rank in Region 1
– Marabastad Asiatic Mogul taxi rank in Region 3
– Nellmapius taxi rank in Region 6
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