Kwatsaduza: Taxi fares may increase soon due to rise in fuel price
“We are considering increasing by 50c to R1 soon but this will only be agreed to during the general meeting we will host on September 13."
Kwatsaduza – Taxi owners at the Springs Taxi Association say the recent petrol increase of 67c will hit their pockets very hard.
On Sunday, the Department of Energy released a statement that the price of all grades of petrol have increased by 67c per litre which took effect on midnight on Tuesday.
While the price of diesel, both 0.05 per cent sulphur and 0.005 per cent sulphur, would increase by 44c per litre.
Chairperson of Springs Taxi Association, Leonard Molo says they were already feeling the pinch without the latest increase.
“The constant weakening of the Rand is also affecting the business.
“We have to pay for the monthly premium loans of R12 000 for the taxis, pay the driver, service the vehicle and buy new parts which are very expensive.
“We cannot afford to keep up.
“The only option left is to adjust the fare prices.
“We are always the first people who feel the pinch and in the process, it affects our commuters.
“We are considering increasing taxi fares by 50c to R1 per trip soon but this will only be agreed to during the general meeting we will host on September 13,” he says.
Taxi commuter, Lindiwe Dhlamini, says she is hoping the increase will not force the taxi fares to go up.
“We are already paying a lot of money for taxi fares. I have to catch three taxis to work daily.
“Sometimes it feels like I only work to afford to travel to work.
“I am unable to spoil myself and family because I am only left with money for basics every month,” she says.
