A VIDEO has surfaced allegedly showing taxi drivers assaulting an Uber driver in Durban’s Matthews Meyiwa (Stamford Hill) Road at the weekend.
According to reports, the thousands of matriculants arriving in Durban for the Rage Festival has sparked inceased rivalry between Uber taxi drivers and minibus taxis contracted by the festival organisers. The taxi drivers have been hired to transport the partygoers between events and work on a token system.
Uber spokesperson, Samantha Allenberg, said that threats and violence was unacceptable.
“Uber is all about choice; and people should be free to choose the way in which they travel around their city. The threats and intimidation against those choosing to use the Uber platform are unacceptable. We have been in contact with the Rage organisers and asked that they bring their suppliers to task and take the necessary steps to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe, affordable, hassle-free time travelling however they choose to get around Durban,” she said.
According to a news report, festival spokesperson, Darren Sandras, said organisers were aware of escalating tensions between the two transport providers and had taken steps to mitigate them for the safety of patrons. He said requests had been made for an increased police presence as well as separate pick up and drop off points for the different transport networks.
