Cape Argus E-dition

Taxi drivers use private cars to ferry passengers

VELANI LUDIDI velani.ludidi@inl.co.za

THE unavailability of minibus taxis on the road was not only felt by commuters but drivers too, with some resorting to using their cars to transport commuters.

They said the taxi violence left their pockets empty, and to make money they are discreetly using private vehicles outside malls and close to ranks.

“Driving commuters is our only source of income and now, not able to do that, we are struggling,” said driver Sibulele Gamandana.

Another driver said, unlike other businesses, they did not receive relief funds from the government.

For three weeks now, minibus taxis have been off the road due to conflict between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) over the control of the Paarl-Mbekweni route.

MEC of Transport and Public Works Daylin Mitchell also closed the route and the Paarl ranks, and minibus taxis and the warring organisations are not allowed to load or drop off commuters at the Bellville Interchange.

So far, 86 people have died this year since the renewed conflict started. Parliamentarian and United Democratic Front leader Bantu Holomisa and trade unionist leader Zwelinzima Vavi, have held talks with the warring taxi bodies.

All parties then made recommendations to Mitchell and Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula.

Part of the recommendations is to combine the two associations into a single association.

Drivers were seen in Somerset Mall calling shoppers who needed transport to use their service offered in private cars. However, security guards would chase them away from the mall entrance saying management was complaining.

The drivers would “disappear” for a few seconds, before coming back to poach customers.

Rides are also more expensive compared to the ones offered by minibus taxis when operational.

Cata spokesperson Andile Seyamo said although they are not aware of drivers using private cars, he understood they were hit hard by not being able to operate – “but that does not mean we should risk people’s lives”.

“Our taxis will only be back when there is a signed agreement as that will guarantee the safety of both drivers and passengers.”

On the other hand, Codeta resumed their service on routes they are allowed to operate in.

“We are happy to be back on the road with no incidents reported and want to reassure commuters that we are trying our best to get back to the service they are used to.

“We noticed that commuters are still scared but the police presence is giving them that sense of security.”

Mitchell’s spokesperson Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka said they were evaluating the document sent by Holomisa and could not say if struggling drivers could be offered assistance.

METRO

en-za

2021-07-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

http://capeargus.pressreader.com/article/281608128473604

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