The recent downgrading of our country to junk status by rating agencies is a sign of things to come.
According to the Automobile Association (AA), petrol prices are set to increase in the month of May by up to 55c; while diesel will increase by approximately 39c and illuminating paraffin, by about 41c per litre.
Sipho Zwane (47), who is a taxi owner/driver based at the Springs Taxi Rank, says fuel increases put pressure on commuters and on them as drivers as well.
“Things are already difficult for most people in this country; each time petrol prices go up it also affects us as drivers,” he says.
Although there hasn’t been an official statement about taxi fares increasing, he says it is bound to happen sooner or later.
Commuters who travel to and from Tsakane are already feeling the pressure, as their fee has already increased by 50c.
“People complain a lot when changes in pricing happen. Some use the excuse that they have forgotten about the increase once they have entered the taxi – this results in us working at a loss,” he says.
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He says that those who are employed by taxi owners bear the burden of an unstable economy the most – as they are held accountable by their employees for each Rand made or lost.
“We don’t know how much taxi fare will increase but it never randomly changed without us being given a month’s notice,” he adds.
Jefrey Makhara (58), who is also a taxi driver at the Springs Taxi Rank, says all that they can do is sit and wait for the announcement.
“We are still waiting for comment from the Taxi Association and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).
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“ Increases vary depending on each taxi route and the distance travelled,” he says.
