Taxi driver behaviour monitored in real-time

Taxi driver behaviour and the safety of the passengers will be under constant watch after the installation of dash cameras monitored in real-time.

TAXI DRIVER BEHAVIOR UNDER SURVIELLANCE

Breaking the news about this innovative project being piloted in Durban, Entrepreneur Siyanda Calvin Ntenga further elaborated on it.

“In an effort to increase passenger and driver safety, SANTACO – Durban, South Beach and North Beach taxis have been installed with security cameras,” he said.

“The cameras enable taxi owners or managers to monitor via App what’s happening in the taxi in real-time.”

Ntenga

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He said the rolling dashcams can also monitor the behaviour of the drivers and their driving patterns.

“Also owners can communicate with passengers through the app, and more,” he said, adding that owners can even stop their taxis remotely if they detect a problem.

PLAN FOR THE REAL-TIME DASHCAMS IN DURBAN

Ntenga further revealed that this past weekend 70 taxis were installed with these cameras.

“Target is to have all South Beach and North Beach taxis installed with cameras this December,” he explained.

Another feature in the pipeline by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO KZN) is the investment in breathalysers to ensure that taxi operators remain sober.

This was attributed to a taxi accident that occurred on Edendale Road in Pietermaritzburg on the morning of Sunday, 4 September, where five people were killed and others left injured.
Apart from overloading the commuters, the taxi driver was accused of operating the minibus taxi under the influence of alcohol.

 SANTACO KZN spokesperson Mduduzi Makhunga said the Industry is planning to do a campaign where breathalysers will be used at the ranks by Hlokomela ambassadors to ensure that all taxi drivers are fit to commute passengers.

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