Exploring Environmental Citizenship through Taxi Drivers' and Commuters' Perceptions about Littering

Minibus taxis are the most accessible, convenient and affordable mode of public transport in South Africa. The abundance of commuters and taxi service employees contributes to waste generation and makes waste disposal practices challenging, especially when it comes to littering. This study's aim was to explore the perspectives of taxi drivers and commuters regarding littering. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 191 taxi drivers and commuters at four taxi ranks in two local municipalities in South Africa, using convenience and availability sampling. We utilised the lens of Vihersalo's environmental citizenship to formulate thematic categories of analysis to examine the responses received. This lens reveals a normative and descriptive account of environmental citizenship within the context of undesirable waste disposal practices related to taxi transportation. The study suggests that promoting environmental citizenship can contribute towards sustainability goals and environmental protection by encouraging participation in anti-littering behaviour.