Passengers used to complain of taxi drivers harassing and mistreating them, according to Kalule Abel, the guide at the Northern bypass stage. “Some criminals would use the stages to rob people, taking advantage of the stage’s congestion while others pretended to be passengers” He added.
The programme facilitated a variety of trainings aimed at improving transit operators’ capacity to ensure safety and crime prevention in public transportation. The SAIC programme also made it easier for transit operators to form associations that would work together to involve various stakeholders regarding issues of public transit safety and crime.
As a result of the trainings given under the Safe and Inclusive programme, Abel says that the stage has established rules that govern the operations and behaviour of transit operators both on and off the stage. According to him, these rules and regulations have clauses that discipline transit operators who have mistreated or abused passengers. “A stage that has no rules isn’t worth calling a stage. “He said. “We’ve taken the initiative to create rules to not only provide a clear path but also to bring order to the operators”. “For instance, rule 17 states that any transit operator who is caught committing a crime such as theft or harassment will be suspended and fined”. Abel added. For easy identification and traceability, the stage management has developed a passport picture.
displays for each transit operator”. “If you are one of us here and commit a crime, we redirect to the display and cross-check for your identity”. He explained.
Abel says that no cases have been reported ever since these measures were established. “All transit operators are expected to have valid driver’s licenses and to obey all relevant rules and regulations”. “The stage has also put in place a person (defense) responsible for overseeing stage operations and ensuring that everyone is safe”.
