The launch of a new taxi service for schoolchildren has brought about a change in the way that parents can earn income.
Theuns Venter, a Durbanville parent, came up with this idea in 2017. However, it has only come to fruition since then. The D6 School Communicator app allows you to access the taxi service.
He explains, "In 2017 when I was driving to pick up my daughter from choir practice, I noticed that around 80 cars were doing the same thing as me and that's where the idea came into my mind."
"I approached my company's investment department and was told that my idea wouldn't be viable in South Africa. Six months later, they called me to inform me that a similar idea was gaining traction in America. We then picked it back up."
Four children were born to Dirk Wynand (15 years old), Marcia (14 years), Henri (11 years), and Pieter (7. He approached D6 after learning that they had a network of more than 2500 schools.
"I have four kids that attend four schools. This idea was not possible without a large network. Parents can now access the rides option in the D6 app.
Parents who are willing to drive their children must be enrolled in a school. They cannot offer rides to children from other schools.
This will ensure that your child is not left with someone they don't know.
"This will also allow some parents to make some extra money if they are not working."
The distance of the ride will determine the price. R20 is charged for the first 4km, and R5 for each kilometer thereafter. All payments can be made via the D6 App.
He said that parents could even check to make sure the rider is following lockdown regulations.
The app is now live and parents can track and access the rides. According to Covid regulations, the app will also show how many seats are available and not the number.
"In other words, if the vehicle is five-seater, there will only be two seatbelts."