COMMUTERS LEFT STRANDED IN EKURHULENI
Thousands of commuters in Tembisa, Benoni, Katlehong, Kempton Park and Germiston were left stranded on Thursday after taxi services were suspended.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Ekurhuleni confirmed that operations were halted due to an ongoing dispute over operating licenses. Taxi operators say their 10-seater “baby buses” are being impounded, with some fined up to R5,000 to get their vehicles back.
According to SANTACO, the problem is that authorities are no longer issuing the necessary licenses for these vehicles, leaving operators stuck without a solution.
The council also accused authorities of selective enforcement of the law, saying that while taxis are being penalised, seven-seater vehicles used by e-hailing and informal services continue to operate without proper permits.
SANTACO said suspending services was the only way to highlight the issue and protect its members from further losses.
The taxi body is now calling on government to step in urgently, saying commuters and operators deserve fairness, sustainability, and dignity in the industry.
A SANTACO representative is reported to have said that taxi operators across Gauteng have been asked not to ferry passengers tomorrow.
Furthermore, Harambe BRT will also be affected and are also suspended until further notice.
