Navigating Climate Change in the Transport Sector: The Context of the Taxi Industry

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, reshaping industries, economies, and daily life worldwide. Among the sectors deeply affected is transportation, particularly in regions heavily reliant on informal transit systems such as the minibus taxi industry in South Africa.

With extreme weather patterns becoming more frequent due to rising global temperatures, transportation networks face increasing disruptions. Flooding, heatwaves, and erratic rainfall affect road safety, infrastructure integrity, and operational efficiency. Given the centrality of taxis in South Africa’s public transport system, addressing these challenges is crucial for economic stability and commuter safety.

Climate Change and its Impact on Transportation

1. The Vulnerability of Roads and Bridges

Climate change has intensified flooding, landslides, and rising temperatures, leading to severe damage to roads and bridges. Poor drainage systems in many urban and rural areas worsen the impact of heavy rainfall, causing road erosion and potholes. This damages vehicles, increases maintenance costs for taxi owners, and leads to longer travel times due to road closures and detours.

Government intervention is needed to reinforce road infrastructure with climate-resilient materials and enhance drainage systems to withstand extreme weather conditions. Without proactive adaptation, the taxi industry—and by extension, millions of commuters—will continue to suffer economic and safety consequences.

2. The Threat to Ports and Airports

Rising sea levels pose a direct threat to coastal transport hubs, including ports and airports. Major South African cities such as Cape Town and Durban rely heavily on maritime trade and tourism, both of which are affected by climate-induced disruptions. Flooding in port areas can delay imported vehicle parts, affecting the taxi industry's ability to repair and maintain its fleet.

Similarly, airport delays due to extreme weather affect commuters who rely on taxis for last-mile connectivity from airports. As climate change worsens, investing in flood-resistant infrastructure at critical transport hubs will be essential to keep supply chains and transit systems running smoothly.

The Taxi Industry and Climate-Induced Challenges

1. Heavy Rainfall and Road Safety Risks

South Africa's unpredictable weather patterns have made heavy rainfall a major challenge for taxi drivers. Reduced visibility, hydroplaning (losing control on wet roads), and increased braking distances heighten the risk of road accidents and traffic congestion.

• Drivers struggle to see pedestrians and road hazards.
• Passengers experience longer travel times and increased fares due to road diversions and detours.
• Flooded roads increase vehicle wear and tear, raising repair costs for operators.

To mitigate these risks, improving road drainage, enforcing better road maintenance, and ensuring traffic lights function properly during storms is crucial. Public transport operators should also receive training on wet-weather driving techniques to enhance road safety.

2. Rising Temperatures and Heat Stress on Drivers

Heatwaves, another consequence of climate change are also a growing concern. Taxi drivers, often exposed to extreme heat while working long hours, face risks of heatstroke, exhaustion, and dehydration.

• High temperatures also negatively impact vehicles:
• Increased tire wear and blowouts.
• Overheating engines and air conditioning failures.
• Deteriorating road surfaces (softened tar leads to potholes).

Solutions such as better vehicle ventilation, heat-resistant road materials, and designated cooling rest stops for drivers can help protect both the workforce and commuters from extreme heat exposure.

Adaptation Strategies for a Climate-Resilient Taxi Industry

1. Climate-Proofing Vehicles

To withstand extreme weather conditions, taxis need upgrades such as:

• Waterproofing: Applying water-resistant coatings, sealants, and moisture-resistant interior materials to protect against flood damage.
• Electrical Safety: Using waterproof electrical components to prevent short circuits during heavy rains.
• Improved Drainage Systems: Installing floor drainage to prevent water buildup inside vehicles.

2. Smart Traffic Management & Early Warning Systems

• The South African Department of Transport must implement real-time weather tracking and traffic management systems to improve climate resilience. This includes:
• Traffic signal adjustments to redirect vehicles away from flood-prone roads.
• Digital alert systems to inform taxi operators about approaching storms.
• Regular maintenance of streetlights and traffic robots to ensure visibility during extreme weather.

Additionally, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma officially opened a new Driving and Testing Centre. This facility is changing the face of Impendle Local Municipality. The 26th Annual Road Traffic and Transport Legislation Workshop has been scheduled for the 13th of May 2025 at Stellenbosch, Protea Hotel, Technopark, and on the 15th of May 2025, Umhlanga aHa Gateway Hotel. This workshop will be very informative and helpful to be on standby when climate change hits certain places.. Transport stakeholders should use such platforms to push for investments in climate-resilient public transport infrastructure.

3. Public Awareness and Passenger Safety

• To protect both drivers and commuters, authorities and taxi associations should implement climate education programs focusing on:
• Emergency response training for drivers during floods or heatwaves.
• Public safety campaigns informing passengers of expected delays and alternative routes during extreme weather.

Investments in Eco-friendly taxis (such as electric or hybrid minibuses) to reduce carbon emissions and combat long-term climate change.

Global and South African Implications

A Call for Sustainable Transport Solutions

The challenges facing South Africa’s taxi industry mirror those experienced globally. From New York’s flooded subways to Europe’s heat-stressed railway networks, transportation systems worldwide are being forced to adapt to climate realities.

South Africa, however, has an opportunity to lead by example in the Global South by integrating climate resilience into its public transport sector. Investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy-powered transit, and better urban planning will not only improve daily commutes but also reduce the country’s overall carbon footprint.

The global transport sector contributes nearly 25% of CO2 emissions, with Africa’s growing urban populations increasing demand for energy-intensive transport solutions. If countries fail to adapt, rising emissions will worsen climate change, leading to a cycle of destruction and repair.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As unpredictable weather patterns continue disrupting transport networks, South Africa’s taxi industry must urgently adapt to remain functional and safe. While immediate solutions like waterproofing vehicles and improving road drainage are critical, long-term investments in green transport policies and climate adaptation strategies will be the key to ensuring sustainability.

Public transport is not just an economic necessity, it’s a lifeline for millions of South Africans. By making taxis and road infrastructure more climate-resilient, we can create a safer, more sustainable, and economically stable future for drivers, passengers, and the transport sector at large. Now is the time for governments, transport authorities, and communities to unite in climate action before extreme weather renders mobility unsafe and unreliable.

Written by: Charmaine Ndlela

Edited by: Takudzwa Charisse Taruza