Thousands of people in South Africa rely on public transport to get to work, run errands, or move between neighbourhoods.
According to a 2021 City of Johannesburg report, about 40.46% of the city’s population uses taxis to get to work.
Using public transport in Joburg comes with plenty of benefits:
• You save on fuel and parking costs. In these tough economic times, this is a big plus!
• You get to relax and enjoy being driven by someone else.
• You meet and engage with other locals — a great way to foster community.
• You stay up to date with the latest mgozi (juicy neighbourhood gossip).
• You witness the full “movie” that is South Africa — a mix of personalities, humour, and everyday stories.
To help you make the most of your ride, here are some tips for safely and comfortably navigating taxis in Johannesburg.
1. Know where to catch your ride
Johannesburg has several taxi ranks, designated streets, and pickup points. Not every street has taxis, so knowing which corners or routes to wait on is essential. A little research or asking locals will go a long way.
2. Know exactly where your taxi is headed
Not all taxis go to the same place, so ensure you’re at the right rank or stop for your destination.
At many ranks, you’ll find queue marshals, usually wearing reflector vests, who help commuters find the right taxi and tell you how much the trip costs. If you’re unsure, speak to the driver before getting in and let them know where you’re going.
3. Learn the hand signs
Each taxi route has its own hand signal - a language that Joburg commuters know well. If you’re new, check out our article on taxi hand signs to help you signal the right destination.
4. Carry cash
Taxis in South Africa still operate on a cash-only basis. Always carry small change (R10s, R20s, R30s) because drivers often don’t have change for big notes, especially early in the morning. Also, avoid carrying large sums of money for safety reasons.
5. If you aren’t good at calculations, stay away from the front seat
In Jozi, those sitting in the front seat must help collect the money, count it, and sort out change. So if you know numbers aren’t your thing, refrain from occupying the front seat.
6. Be a team player
Taxi rides are a group effort. Passengers often tap your shoulder to hand money forward or backward. Don’t take it personally; it’s part of the culture.
7. Understand the language
You’ll often hear phrases like “4-4” or “mashlalisane” (this means everyone needs to squeeze in a bit). Sometimes, especially for short distances, a seat meant for three might fit four people. It’s all part of the Joburg taxi experience!
8. Taxi etiquette
• Greet politely and be respectful.
• Be kind — people go through a lot in life, and your kindness can make all the difference.
• Keep your phone off loudspeaker — not everyone is interested in hearing your conversations.
• Avoid long or sensitive conversations, especially if you see that they are making others uncomfortable.
• Don’t play music aloud — even through leaky earphones.
Good vibes make for a better ride.
9. Prepare for loud music
Some taxi drivers love to play music loudly. If you’re hoping for silence, you might want to carry your earphones or join in the fun and embrace the beat.
10. Give yourself enough time
Taxis aren’t like e-hailing services that arrive instantly. You may need to wait a bit, especially outside peak hours. Plan ahead so you’re not late, and remember that taxis go through different routes instead of going straight to your destination. So, a ride that might take you ten minutes could take double the time because of all the stops and the routes.
Public transport is more than just a way to get around Johannesburg, it’s part of what makes the city special.
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