NPPTA pushes taxi roof signs enforcement

The northern branch of the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association (NPPTA) has called for the full implementation and enforcement of taxi roof signs to make it easier for passengers and authorities to distinguish legitimate taxis from illegal operators.

Speaking to Namibian Sun this week, NPPTA vice president Tobias Katembo said the association is working with law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen visible identification measures.

“As an association, we have come up with a sticker system because all taxis need to be properly marked and identifiable, but we have realised this is not enough," he said.

“The taxi light must be part of this movement now. For a long time, operators have ignored this requirement.”

The sticker identification system includes region-specific colour-coded stickers used in different towns.

Rundu taxis use orange stickers, while those in Nkurenkuru use blue stickers, alongside additional compliance stickers confirming that operators meet the required standards.

However, he said many operators continue to ignore the requirement for proper taxi roof signage, weakening efforts to improve accountability.

Katembo added that the association is also working to ensure that only legitimate operators are able to purchase taxi roof signs.

The NPPTA has engaged shops that sell taxi signs to ensure operators provide documentation proving they are registered before purchasing the signage.

Illegal operators

The NPPTA’s renewed push for stricter enforcement comes amid growing concerns over pirate taxis, fake permits and unregulated operators within the sector.

Katembo alleged that some operators abuse the permit system.

“Some people take one permit and use it for two, three, four or even five cars, which is not allowed because one permit is meant for one vehicle,” he said.

He warned that such practices undermine regulation and create risks for passengers who may unknowingly board unregistered or unroadworthy vehicles.

The association also raised concern over taxis allegedly being used in crimes, including robberies and cellphone snatching.

“This is why we are engaging stakeholders like the police and law enforcement so that we can work together to stop these criminal activities in the taxi industry,” Katembo said.

Stay vigilant

He further stated that taxis operating without roadworthy certification, licensed drivers or proper compliance documentation are regarded by the association as pirate taxis, even if they possess some official paperwork.

The NPPTA has urged commuters to remain vigilant by checking visible taxi identifiers before boarding vehicles and reporting suspicious activity to the association.

Katembo said the association already operates a database system capable of tracing taxi ownership through displayed registration numbers, allowing quicker responses when incidents are reported.

“Once you provide us with the marked number, we are able to identify the owner through our system,” he said.

In addition, he said the 15% taxi fare increase, implemented this week, will assist taxi operators in sustaining their businesses amid rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs and other expenses.