A different kind of sign language

Putting aside the near-death experience in a taxi from Maputo to Joburg over the Christmas/New Years holiday, one big reason I don’t use taxi’s around Joburg/Soweto (other than the fact that I have a GRS vehicle), is that I wouldn’t even know how.  From The Sowetan (do check out the slideshow):

Taxi hand Language

Taxi hand lingo is a sign language all on its own – take a look at our slideshow and discover how to taxi hop a little more effectively in and around Soweto, Rosebank, Sandton and Johannesburg. 

Things you should know about travelling in a taxi:

* Fares are gathered once the taxi is full to capacity (approximately 15 passengers).

* Passengers, who sit in the front, collect and count the funds received from passengers, before handing over to the driver.

* Try have the correct fare available, as R100/R50 notes are not readily accepted by the drivers.

* The person sitting next to the sliding door is expected to open the door for passengers leaving or entering the vehicle.

* No smoking is permitted whilst in a taxi.

* Pregnant passengers or those with lots of shopping are advised to sit in the 2nd row.

* The driver prefers slim people to sit in the front with him.

* Passengers travelling far should sit in the rear seats of the vehicle.