Etiquette in taxis, that’s what it is all about says the New Vision in Uganda. Stubborn drivers have a tendency of using routes they want, and at times they drive (too) fast. Mind you, we’re talking about a different type of taxi than the saloon-model, but rather the minibus type.
Public transportation plays an essential role in moving people across the country every day. With more and more people using taxis and cabs to get around town, there are some etiquettes passengers and drivers need to know when travelling. New vision is making some suggestions.
Stubborn drivers have a tendency of using routes they want, and at times they drive fast. If the driver is taking you to a different route you dislike, tell them politely. You do not have to be rude, after all you are not going to see them again when you get off that taxi. There is no point in making things worse with confrontation.
We do not know where you have been, why place your feet on the seat? This is not the only habit: do not eat, drink alcohol or any beverage, smoke cigarettes, change diapers or do anything messy in the vehicle. Remember other passengers will enter after you exit and it is not yours. Treat the vehicle better than you do your own. If you have finished eating, take your trash with you.
Refrain from having loud conversations; talk softly and quietly. Not just with your friends and fellow passengers, but this also means no loud conversations on your mobile phone. Set your phone onto vibrate if possible. Be considerate of other passengers.
Also keep in mind the language you are using while carrying out conversations, usually there are children. Avoid foul language. Polite social behaviour is perfectly normal. Abstain from bringing anything onboard that occupies a lot of space. This is not your car, why carry that furniture, chickens and so many excessive bags that take up multiple seats. You inconvenience other passengers by not sitting well. If you have so much luggage, you can consider other forms of transport to get where you need to go.
Sorry you have a bad cough but cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and away from people whenever possible. The common practice is to sneeze and cough inside your elbow not into your hand. Give up your seat to the people who really need it if no other seat is available to them. If you are using pioneer buses, be courteous and offer that seat to an old person, child or a pregnant woman who is standing next to you.
This one is beyond simple: do not vandalize any transit property. Everything from scratching tinted windows and peeling off information and directional stickers with your fidgety fingers. Is there really a point to any of this? Come prepared, this is not your bathroom, why comb your hair in a taxi when you know there are other passengers?
Do not overload. Even if it is during peak hours, do not pack people like luggage. Be respectful. Passengers are your boss, why do you insult them when it is time to jump out? Stay humble – they have given you money. No loud music. We understand you enjoy listening to kadogokamu, but keep it low, and do not overchange the station, it is boring.
And finally (this one is priceless): There is nothing so bad as sitting next to a conductor or driver who has smelly armpits. Please bathe.
