Taxis absorbed into bus project

Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng says affected operators from the three taxi associations in phase 1 A, Seshego-Polokwane Taxi Association (SPTA), Flora Park-Pietersburg Taxi Association (FPTA) and Westenburg Taxi Association (WTA) are being compensated for their loss of business.
To make way for the 36 Leeto la Polokwane buses, 125 minibus taxis had to be removed from service, but according to the mayor, the bus drivers to be employed by Esilux are all former taxi drivers.
Esilux is the Vehicle Operating Company (VOC) that has been appointed to operate the Leeto la Polokwane bus service for the three-year interim contract with the municipality.
Nkadimeng emphasised that the employment for the displaced taxi industry employees will not just be limited to bus drivers.
“A skills audit has been undertaken to identify the skills and training requirements of these individuals to fill other positions, which will be required by the operating company.”
She adds that this will be done in a bid to directly and indirectly, create opportunities for local businesses, job seekers and the general public while providing a world-class public transport service to the residents of Polokwane.
She says the inclusion of the taxi operators is in line with the development of a hybrid model that allows experienced people in the sector to form part of the Leeto la Polokwane system.
“These operators will be able to bring operational understanding of the transport industry, as a form of compensation for their losses. The Silux board comprises former taxi operators who will be leading the pack. More compensation and financial benefits will be afforded through Esilux.”