The taxi industry pledges safety over the festive season and beyond for people travelling by taxis. This has been initiated by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in partnership with Metropolitan Holdings Ltd; is an "industry first" as the taxi industry is assuming safe commuting to all its valuable customers during the height of the festive season.

The Taxi Pledge, as it is aptly known, is a taxi driver's promise to passengers for a safe and pleasant trip. 3 million A5 Taxi Pledge pamphlets will be printed and distributed at all taxi ranks around the country. Distribution points will include all major toll gates and national circulations will begin on Friday, 22 December 2007.

Metropolitan's Group Executive, Nkosinathi Chonco says that Metropolitan and SANTACO aim to build an industry culture of respect and dignity with this initiative.

"At SANTACO, we care about the welfare of our people. We believe in upholding the values that we were brought up with – the values of respect, dignity and caring, it starts with a simple greeting", added Mr A. J. Mthembu (SANTACO President). It is hoped that this will enhance other initiatives around road safety e.g. Arrive Alive.

One of the key objectives of this campaign is to improve the condition of operation in the taxi industry and to ensure that the taxi business stays viable into the future. It recognises the key and fundamental role that the driver and the passenger play in enhancing safety. SANTACO along with Metropolitan is driving this initiative in full force with more forthcoming initiatives for the industry as a whole.

"We believe that communication and the spirit of Ubuntu is losing its sense and worth; hence our focus is on the humanitarian aspect and encouraging positive communication between the taxi drivers and the commuters while travelling", said Mthembu. "We also wish to thank all our customers for their continued support and loyalty, and promise that we are committed to keeping them safe over the festive season and beyond".

The key messages that the Taxi Pledge features are to welcome and thank the passengers for their business; promise the best possible service that taxi drivers can offer and treat all passengers with dignity and respect. Moreover, the pledge promises passengers a safe journey and that taxi drivers will observe the rules of the road ensuring passengers a pleasant trip.

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