18/10/2026
CCTA DRIVERS SPEAK: Addressing the Challenges of School Learners in Public Transport
A conversation with the drivers who transport our learners every day
As part of our CCTA Drivers Speak initiative, we spoke to several Civic Centre Taxi Association drivers about their experiences transporting school learners on a daily basis.
While every driver’s experience is different, several concerns came up repeatedly. These are issues that drivers believe require the attention and involvement of learners, parents, schools and the wider community.
Va**ng in taxis
One of the concerns raised by drivers was the increasing presence of va**ng among school learners.
Drivers expressed concern about learners va**ng inside taxis, particularly because taxis are shared spaces used by people of different ages. They believe that learners should understand that va**ng inside a taxi is inappropriate and can make other passengers uncomfortable.
The drivers also appealed to parents to have conversations with their children about va**ng, including the money being used to purchase these products. They suggested that parents consider ways of monitoring or limiting access to spending money where appropriate, so that children are not easily able to purchase vapes.
Respect for drivers
Another issue that came up repeatedly was disrespectful behaviour towards drivers.
Drivers said that, while most learners behave well, there are occasions when learners speak to drivers in a disrespectful manner or fail to follow reasonable instructions.
Our drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers to their destinations. They asked parents to remind their children that respect goes both ways and that drivers deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect.
Language and conversations inside taxis
Drivers also raised concerns about the type of language and conversations some learners have inside taxis.
Because CCTA taxis carry passengers of different ages, including older passengers, drivers asked learners to be mindful of what they say and how they speak while travelling.
The taxi is a shared public space, and conversations that may seem normal among friends can sometimes be inappropriate or uncomfortable for other passengers.
“Don't camp at the rank” – a message from our drivers
One of the strongest messages from the drivers was directed to parents.
They asked parents to speak to their children about not spending unnecessary time at taxi ranks after school.
Drivers encouraged parents to teach learners that once they arrive at the rank, they should get into the appropriate taxi and go home rather than hanging around the rank.
The drivers believe that parents play an important role in knowing where their children are after school and encouraging them to go home safely.
A responsibility we all share
The issues raised by our drivers are not about blaming learners. They are about finding ways to create a safer, more respectful and comfortable environment for everyone who uses public transport.
Parents, learners, drivers, schools and taxi associations all have a role to play.
To our learners: respect your drivers, respect your fellow passengers and remember that the taxi is a shared space.
To parents: talk to your children, know their routines, and reinforce the importance of respectful behaviour when using public transport.
And to our drivers: thank you for speaking openly about the challenges you face every day.
CCTA Drivers Speak is about listening, starting conversations and finding solutions together.
CCTA — Together for safer and more respectful public transport.
