BUSINESS NEWS - After more than 20 years of serving taxi commuters since its opening in 2005, the Garden Route Mall has unveiled a purpose-built interchange that gives passengers and operators safer, more comfortable facilities.
The new taxi interchange was officially opened on Friday 31 July with the mall's management and representatives of the Uncedo Taxi Association attending to celebrate the memorable occasion.
Uncedo's chairperson, Zukisa Mabetha, welcomed this development, saying the new interchange would add significant value to the association's service to passengers.
Commuters now have access to a paved rank with covered waiting areas and cellphone charging stations. The facility also provides undercover parking for taxis.
Garden Route Mall's manager, Rion Olivier, said: "We recognised the important role taxis play in our community and believed it was important to invest in quality infrastructure by paving the taxi facilities and installing covered canopies."
He said throughout the project, they have enjoyed a positive working relationship with the Uncedo Taxi Association.
"We sincerely appreciate their co-operation and support in helping us create a facility that serves both operators and commuters."
The facilities form part of a larger road infrastructure project that started in 2022. The completed development is intended to improve traffic flow and road safety around the mall while creating a transport hub that links private vehicles, taxis and the Go George bus service.
Said Olivier: "The official opening represents an important milestone for the Garden Route Mall, celebrating an infrastructure investment that will deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses, commuters and visitors for years to come."
The interchange provides undercover parking. Photo: J Photography
Abigail Potgieter, the mall’s financial administrator, and its marketing manager, Tumi Masango, at the plaque displayed at the entrance to the interchange. Photo: J Photography
The Uncedo Taxi Association was well represented at the event. Photo: J Photography
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