THOUSANDS of commuters are leaving Gauteng to head back to their hometowns.
The Benoni Taxi Rank (BTA), one of the biggest in Ekurhuleni, is seeing an increasing number of commuters.
BTA said it doesn't want to leave things to chance, adding that it is also preparing drivers for the road.
"We ensure that our taxis are roadworthy, and drivers uphold the rules of the road to take commuters safely to their various destinations and they are also healthy," said BTA's disciplinary chairman Sabelo Lukhele.
"Roads will be busy and we encourage our members to drive with care," said Lukhele.
Head of queue marshals David "Phuzaface" Khumalo said they ensure to take down passengers' names and contact details before driving them to their various destinations.
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He said this is called the passenger list, adding that it helps in case of an accident.
"During an accident, the first thing police look out for is the passenger list to check who was in the taxi and contact their loved ones," said Phuzaface.
He said because passengers often take big luggage during this time, the challenge is when they are lost or stolen.
"We often encourage commuters to mark their luggage to avoid a mix-up."
Phuzaface said another challenge they encounter is drunk passengers who harass others.
"If there's passenger who is unruly, we often drive with them to the nearest police station to leave him there."
Commuter Lindokuhle Nkosi, who was going to Dumbe in KZN, said he was leaving early to avoid a last-minute rush.
"We're relieved that taxis these days are not speeding like previously and we are sure will reach our destination safely," he said.
