The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Vaal University of Technology have conducted research on a proposed Taxi Vehicle Monitoring System (TVMS) that could revolutionize the taxi industry in South Africa. The research, presented at the South African Transport Conference, aims to provide a reliable and efficient digital platform for public transport authorities, operators, technology developers, and employees, as well as support the implementation of the Revised Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (RTRP).
The TVMS is currently in its early stages, with the research focusing on the development of a conceptual framework. This framework is expected to foster collaboration between the taxi industry, government, and e-hailing services through integrated smart mobility systems. By doing so, it will enable the modernization of daily operations in the taxi industry and ensure the successful implementation of the RTRP.
The RTRP was launched in March 2019 with the goal of replacing old taxi vehicles. It aimed to scrap the remaining 63,241 outdated vehicles after the initial Taxi Recapitalization Programme, introduced in 2015, had already scrapped 72,653 vehicles. The research conducted on the TVMS aims to improve the management of the RTRP and address the challenges faced by the taxi industry.
One of the main issues that the research addresses is the increasing use of real-time technology platforms by commuters, which disrupts the minibus taxi industry and poses risks to its traditional operating procedures, job security, financial viability, and regulation. Additionally, the research highlights the fact that nearly a third of the approximately 200,000 minibus taxis in the country operate outside the normal legislative requirements. It also considers other categories of taxis, such as township meter taxis, operators with joint venture agreements, and e-hailing services, that are not currently included in the scope of the RTRP.
The research methodology entailed several steps. Firstly, the number and status of taxi ranks within the study area were determined, along with the categories of existing taxi vehicles. The research identified gaps, such as redundant formal taxi ranks and the inclusion of other categories of old taxis not covered by the RTRP. Secondly, data from transport authorities and government documents regarding the existing regulatory processes for the RTRP were analyzed. Gaps identified included a predominantly manual scrapping application process and the Department of Transport’s struggle to meet its yearly RTRP targets.
Finally, a TVMS framework was developed, utilizing an enterprise architecture framework to enable effective management of daily operations and collaborations within the taxi industry. The proposed TVMS includes an asset register for taxi ranks, existing routes, and storage facilities, as well as a fleet register that serves as a real-time online database for all categories of taxis. It also incorporates the RTRP, offering online application and pre-scrapping offers, along with budgeting elements such as a scrapping allowance, route invasion fines, and subsidy programs. Stakeholders, including the Department of Transport, taxi associations, provincial authorities, and local authorities, would collaborate in the TVMS.
While the initial research phase has been completed, further research and testing of the actual system will be conducted in collaboration with all stakeholders. The TVMS is expected to provide various benefits, including smart surveillance and road safety, real-time information systems, predictive maintenance, intelligent parking and traffic management, automated toll collections, and an integrated ticketing system.
Overall, this research marks an important step towards modernizing and streamlining the taxi industry in South Africa. By embracing smart mobility systems and integrating various stakeholders through the TVMS, the industry can improve its operations, enhance road safety, and better serve commuters. With continued research and collaboration, the implementation of the RTRP can also be enhanced, leading to a more efficient and sustainable taxi industry in the country.
