Our partners not involved R24/R21 protest – says Uber
"We applaud the police for their swift management of the situation"
Uber has denied that its driver partners were involved in this mornings protest on the R21 and R24 highways.
“We are aware of the protest on the R24 and R21 today and we applaud the police for their swift management of the situation,” said Uber spokesperson Samantha Allenberg in a statement issued.
“Today’s protest only underlines why people are increasingly choosing safe, reliable alternatives like Uber. Our technology is open and pro-choice and we are keen to offer it to a broad number of taxi drivers to boost their chances for profit,” she said.
“In fact hundreds of taxi drivers are already using our technology because of the many benefits it brings to their businesses. We welcome more who wish to join,” said Allenberg.
From around 4am this morning protesters blocked access to OR Tambo International Airport.
Also read:Â UPDATE: No time frame given for reopening of R24 and R21 highways
A number of protesters were arrested following the protest.
While the reason for the protests is not yet known, SAPS have confirmed that meter taxi drivers were involved.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s Kobedi Mokheseng said metered taxi drivers parked their vehicles in the middle of the freeway and abandoned them.
Also read:Â #TrafficUpdate: R21 and R24 highways closed due to strike
#HighwayProtest Police say they have arrested more than 10 people on the R21 highway for public violence.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 27, 2017
Update) Protest Action on R24 Westbound at Barbara Rd is Re-opened. pic.twitter.com/BRBdbOMxoK
— ITRAFFIC (GP) (@itrafficgp) October 27, 2017
Protesters arrested following blockade near OR Tambo International Airport https://t.co/QQbP6x1Pfd pic.twitter.com/0o3tZa1ijc
— Eyewitness News (@ewnupdates) October 27, 2017
