Majority of working class people in South Africa are commuters, some even go about doing so for years and still haven’t figured out how to protect themselves, communicate with drivers and protect their belongings etc..
According to Deputy Minister of Transport, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga the festive season alone had 1211 fatal crashes in the year of 2022, although there has been a reduction from previous year by 6.5% commuters must still stay vigilant.
As the saying goes “better late than never,” still applies.
In order to live to tell the tale, here are some precautions to consider according to EXPATICA:
- Keep valuables and large amounts of cash out of sight or at home. Don’t give a potential thief a reason to approach you if you can avoid it.
2. Avoid sitting in a train carriage that is empty or nearly empty. Robberies and assaults are less likely to occur with a carriage full of passengers.
3. Consider including a ride with a taxicab or ride-sharing app as part of your journey, such as between the train station and your final destination.
4. Try to travel with someone else or in a group. If this isn’t possible, let someone know when you’re planning to depart and arrive. If you’re meeting someone, try to get them to meet you at your bus stop or train station.
5. Bring along a local you know and trust if you’re trying out a public transportation route for the first time. A local perspective can ensure that you know exactly where you’re going the next time as well as suggest any concerns or risks they see.
Perhaps some commuters don’t even know their rights as commuters, according to Arrive Alive public transport passengers have rights too and are as follows:
- Freedom to choose the public transport mode or vehicle from those available that they would like to use, where this choice affects their safety.
- Safe public transport services and roadworthy vehicles.
- Drivers with valid licenses and professional driving permits.
- Reliable services that transport them according to schedule or expectation.
- Travel on vehicles that are not overloaded or overcrowded.
- Professional and courteous treatment from the drivers and staff of all public transport operators.
- Travel on a public transport service without experiencing any form of harassment or discrimination.
- Transport services that provide value for money.
