ROAD AHEAD: SETTING THE BASIS FOR A TRANSFORMED MINIBUS TAXI INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The lack of political will has hindered the progress of the minibus taxi industry’s transformation efforts. The ANC government embraced the idea of a developmental state, aiming to use state intervention in the economy to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality. However, this intervention has yet to effectively extend to the minibus taxi industry. Although the government shifted its approach from a comprehensive recapitalization plan to restructure the taxi industry, more work is required to achieve meaningful transformation. Despite attempts to improve public transport through initiatives like the Bus Rapid Transport system, more measures still need to be taken to integrate urban planning and transportation effectively. Both vehicle and urban planning have been characterized as reactive rather than proactive, focusing on existing demands rather than catering to the increased accessibility and convenience needed by ordinary people who rely on minibus taxis. Consequently, the current transport and urban planning system must support the working poor, who primarily depend on minibus taxis, as they require more subsidies. As a result, despite using minibus taxis to access the city, only some of these individuals benefit from government funding. The paper addresses critical issues within the country’s minibus taxi sector. It aims to comprehensively analyse the industry’s current challenges, including safety concerns, regulatory issues, and sustainability. By examining these factors, the paper seeks to propose innovative solutions and policy recommendations to transform the minibus taxi industry into a safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation. The scope of the paper encompasses a wide range of topics, from regulatory frameworks and technology integration to socio-economic impacts, with the ultimate goal of fostering positive change and progress within this vital transportation sector.