Question NW39 to the Minister of Transport

Reply:

(a) On what date were taxi drivers informed that passenger pick-up points would change to the first floor parking area at the O R Tambo International Airport, (b) how was the specified change communicated to (i) taxi drivers and (ii) passengers, (aa) initially and (bb) on an on-going basis,

1. Relocation of Public Transport

The frontage roads optimisation project was conceptualised in compliance with the security mandate that seeks to minimise and prevent any unlawful interference to civil aviation as stipulated in Annex 17, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and National Airport Security Program (NASP). The roadway optimisation seeks to address:

1. The unlawful act against the safety of civil aviation, including acts of sabotage and malicious damage, and the placing of bombs and other explosive devices or substances in airports, aircraft, baggage, cargo or mail. Any other act of unlawful interference, including armed attacks at airports, acts directed toward off-airport personnel, facilities or vehicles, and acts that have the potential to develop into a threat to international civil aviation
2. Traffic congestion
3. Prevent touting and harassment of passengers

It is against this background that ACSA embarked on the relocation of public transport services (e-hailing (Uber & Bolt), Shuttle services and Meter Taxi operators) from the frontage roadways to Parkade 2 South Level 2 (phase 1). Phase 2 entails the installation of access control to the roadways.

Various consultations took place prior to implementation with various stakeholders which included their senior management and representatives whereby all stakeholders understood and supported the implementation of the project.

The meetings took place as follows:

Date	Stakeholder	Representative
21 February 2022	Shuttles Services	Deputy Chairperson Mr C Kgasu, EXCO Member: Mr Allen Rapasi, Secretary Mr J Mnisi Treasure Mr P Molala Chairperson: Mr J Sokoti as the, EXCO member: Mr S Mabala, EXCO member: Mr A Lekalakala.
04 March 2022	Uber	Gauteng Operational Manager: Mr Amile Ndlovu
04 March 2022	Bolt	Gauteng Acting Manager: Mr Siphiwo Soga
04 March 2022	ORTACC (Meter Taxi)	EXCO member: Mr L Sithukga, Deputy Chairperson: Mr. T Mashego Chairperson: Mr S Rikhotso Secretary: Mr K Chiloane Deputy Secretary Mr J Manotoane
10 February 2022	Local Airport Security Committee (LASC)	All law enforcement agencies and airport stakeholder associations including Metro Police and SAPS

Following the consultation above, the implementation was effective the 01st July 2022, noting that the consultations started in February 2022.

Pre - implementation and on-going basis, the following broader communication and awareness were / are circulated on various platforms and executed as follows:

• Messages on the passenger terminal PA system
• Messages on the advertising, retail and information screens within the terminal
• Messages and stands on the notice stands on level 2
• Passenger information counters / desk (restricted and landside)
• Public Transport Information counters / desk (restricted and landside)
• Passenger Information Agents – floor monitoring
• Messages on social media
• Passenger that do not get to Parkade 2 South Level 2, are redirected by airport authorised taxi operators and airport security positioned on the arrival lower roadway
• E-hailing app updated with Parkade 2 South Level 2 as collection and drop off points; and
• Media statement

ACSA is on a continuous basis improving signage and other communication platforms to enhance passenger experience through our airports. The company is also engaging public transport operators on a bi-weekly basis to determine the effectiveness of the initiative and continuous improvement.

(c) How is it monitored to ensure that passengers are picked up only at the designated area

The monitoring and assurance that passengers are picked up at designated area is conducted by Passenger Services Agents inside the terminal (monitoring and walking the terminal floors and occupying the information counters located at International and domestic arrivals) and they are supported by security guards stationed outside of the terminal patrolling the roadways.

(d) What are the penalties for taxi drivers that transgress the specified pick-up change?

ACSA has not imposed any penalties to the operators as the collaboration and open communication have proven to be effective in making sure that there is compliance to company requirements.