Bibliography: pages 142-152. / In recent years, the South African transportation system has witnessed the rise of intermediate forms of transport, in particular the kombi taxi. Though referred to as a taxi, the kombi taxi differs from the typical sedan taxi. As a taxi, the kombi is a minibus vehicle, typically of Volkswagen, Toyota or Datsun make. In South Africa, the kombi taxi is legally allowed a maximum passenger capacity of eight, whereas the sedan taxi is generally licenced to carry a maximum of five passengers. In terms of patronage, the sedan taxi is more often used by businessmen and holidaymakers, as well as commuting youngsters and the elderly on a sporadic basis. Like the sedan taxi, the kombi taxi is privately owned and operated. However, the kombi taxi is used on a more regular basis and frequently conveys passengers along a set route, operating more like a bus service than a taxi service. Fares charged by kombi taxi drivers are set according to route as opposed to the metered rate charged by the sedan taxi operator. The kombi taxi is used by the non-white community in particular and has become a feature of commuter demand satisfaction. Interest in the South African kombi taxi was sparked as a result of the 1983 Commission of Inquiry into Bus Passenger Transport (Welgemoed, 1983). The report, among other things, considered the effect of taxis on the bus industry and covered future transportation policy. One of the recommendations of the Welgemoed Commission was that the kombi taxi be phased out over a four-year period in order to protect existing and future bus services in the Republic. Given the spatial patterning of South African cities and the important role of intermediate forms of transportation in filling an existing mobility/demand gap, it became apparent that the issue of the kombi taxi required further I analysis in order that its role and function as part of the South African transportation system could be better understood. Thus, the Cape Town Metropolitan Transportation Area was chosen for specific study.