Mitchell’s Plain’s oldest taxi association has reduced its fares for pupils, students and pensioners.
Hazeldene Taxi Association, based at the rank, bordered by Mitchell’s Plain train station and Wall Street, in Portland, launched the special rates on Monday January 24. Between Monday and Friday, pupils in school uniform pay R5 for a trip within Mitchell’s Plain; students with valid student cards pay R5 and pensioners R8.
They also offer a drop-off service at your door if you have many bags to carry and cannot wait for another transport service provider, from the rank to all routes serviced by the association, at a fee of R30 to Westridge or Portland; R40 to Rocklands; and R50 to Westgate, Harmony Village or Morgan’s Village.
Executive member Trevor Martin said every day they saw pupils walking across Mitchell’s Plain, to and from school.
“It is far distances and can be a bit unsafe. So, we thought it best to offer them a service at a reduced fee,” he said.
Mr Martin said since the trains stopped running and the national Covid-19 lockdown the taxi industry had been hard hit and that they had to think innovatively, to put food on their tables.
“It is time to give back during these tough times.
“We were here before the buses in and around Mitchell’s Plain, transporting commuters from Nyanga and Manenberg to Mitchell’s Plain,” he said.
Regulator Rafiq Frans said before the lockdown they would have up to 100 taxis at the rank daily but now they have half that number on alternate days.
Pensioner Frances Ceasar, 82, from Portland, said they were grateful for the service.
“The drivers are always helpful and respectful,” she said.
The association also holds disciplinary hearings on receipt of complaints from commuters, whether it is swearing or unruly behaviour.
To complain or for more information, call their office between Monday and Friday from 9am to 4pm on 021 392 6224 .