Taxi commuters brought traffic to a crawl this morning when they took to Modderfontein Road on foot in an effort to boycott high taxi tariffs.
The group walked along the Modderfontein Road this morning, July 15, rather than make use of the taxis to show their unhappiness.
Sebenza SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Sharon Tsotsotso, said the group was peaceful while walking.
“Sebenza police officers escorted the group to the edge of the station’s precinct. Near the Chloorkop area, the group dispersed.”
She said the group walked from the Greenstone area towards Thembisa.
Although the Lethabong Taxi Association (LTA) is aware of concerns regarding taxi tariffs spokesperson Oscar Mtshali said no official complaints have been made.
@TrafficSA …..heavy traffic on Modderfontein pic.twitter.com/juZ6x9c5iC
— Deon (@mkhwanazi436) July 15, 2020
He explained that each year around July there is an annual tariff increase.
“All associations under the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) come together and agree on an amount, no higher than R5, by which the tariffs should increase.”
Mtshali said when an amount is agreed on, a public participation process starts. This happens 14-days before the new tariff is implemented.
He said this gives the public an opportunity to raise concerns.
Also read: Dispute over taxi route leads to CLOSURE of Modderfontein Road
Although Lethabong Taxi Association operates primarily in greater Edenvale it has a longstanding partnership with the Ivory Park Taxi Association.
The two associations manage a route between the two areas and both associations agreed on the new tariff for the route.