Western Cape sets out to improve transportation services

THE Western Cape has initiated a 'new look' for the region's metered-taxi fleet with the unveiling of the 'Millennium Fleet', designed to improve the standard of road-based transport services which serve the tourist market. The Millennium Fleet, a joint initiative between tourism and transport authorities, will run throughout the year 2000. Accredited vehicles will sport common 'Millennium Fleet' identification stickers, with drivers having also completed a special Ambassador's training programme. Speaking at last week's launch, provincial minister for tourism and business development, Hennie Bester, said that the initiative aims to upgrade the standard of road-based speciality transport services. "The Millennium Fleet initiative is an important step towards providing safe, reliable public transport services in the Cape Metropolitan Area in line with international standards. While tour operators and other speciality transport services will be eligible for membership of the 'Millennium Fleet', initial emphasis is being placed on the Cape Metropolitan Area's metered-taxi services. "Metered taxis are an internationally recognised mode of transport used by holiday-makers and business travellers, and with the additional visitors to the Mother City expected throughout the year, it provided a unique opportunity to fast-track improvements to the region's metered taxi service." Transport and Public Works Minister, Piet Meyer said: "The Millennium Fleet will help create a unified transport culture and ethic that is responsive to visitors' needs for safe, affordable services, and promote professionalism among drivers and vehicle owners." Meyer said that the initiative had initially focused on training drivers to become part of the 'Millennium Fleet' and all successfully accredited drivers will wear branded, easily indentifiable clothing. More than 35 drivers have successfully completed the metered-taxi Ambassador training programme, with a further 140 drivers currently enrolled. Cape Metropolitan Tourism's chief executive officer, Rick Taylor, said, "For the Cape Metropolitan Area to compete for a lion's share of the domestic and international tourist market, we need to provide a range of safe, efficient transport options. The millennium metered-taxi fleet is a critical first step in offering these better transport services and will help ensure that visitors' experience of the Mother City is a positive one." (Elizabeth Sheridan)