Greater Alberton Taxi Association (GATA) is in talks to possibly increase its taxi fares until further notice.
This is after three years of no increase in such fares.
These lengthy talks come after the announcement of yet another fuel hike due to increasing oil prices.
GATA transports commuters to and from Alberton including Thokoza, Greenfields, Eden Park, Sky City and Katlehong.
According to GATA’s PRO, Morena Mthunzi, they are in talks with different bodies to relook taxi fares although this is not an easy decision for them to take.
“Due to these fuel hikes, drivers’ wages have been affected. We previously had a meeting to discuss whether an increase would be feasible and we never had a solution. Commuters will be informed in due time,” he said.
Mthunzi said this was a difficult decision as they have commuters’ best interests at heart.
“In any decision, we take we have to keep in mind that people are unemployed and in some companies, there are still retrenchments. We need to consider learners coming outside of Alberton to study here, we also have jobseekers waking up each morning to look for jobs,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Hennie Maile told the RECORD that they were caught between a rock and a hard place because of these hikes.
“These hikes have affected us greatly as an association and this includes other associations across the country, it’s very difficult for us. As the country is faced with such economic challenges, our communities have also been greatly affected,” he said.
He also said as much as they have to increase taxi fares, they are concerned about members of the community who are trying to make ends meet.
“Not only are fuel hikes an issue, everything is expensive and people are jobless. When taking your taxi for service maintenance, prices are drastically high and you end up paying a lot,” said Maile.
He urged that should commuters have any complaints, they should direct their complaints to GATA offices by contacting 011 907 1553 or 011 907 1556.
