Taxi drama at Midrand Gautrain station
MIDRAND - Reports that metered taxi drivers were preventing Uber drivers from entering the Midrand Gautrain station have surfaced on social media.
At around 10.30am on 21 May, reports that metered taxi drivers were preventing Uber drivers from entering the Midrand Gautrain station surfaced on social media.
Concerned residents tweeted at Uber South Africa to let the organisation know of the disturbances. Uber was quick to respond, stating that they were aware of the situation and were working with local authorities in order to keep it under control.
A metered taxi driver on the scene told a Midrand Reporter that fellow taxi drivers simply tried to prevent the Uber driver from dropping off a passenger at the station.
Hi Tshego, we're aware of the situation in Midrand. We're taking all of the necessary steps to resolve this [1/3]
— Uber South Africa (@Uber_RSA) May 21, 2016
ASAP. We are working with private security, JMPD, SAPS, Gautrain and all other relevant stakeholders as we're deeply [2/3]
— Uber South Africa (@Uber_RSA) May 21, 2016
committed to rider & driver safety. Driver partners have access to an emergency line in the event they feel unsafe. [3/3]
— Uber South Africa (@Uber_RSA) May 21, 2016
JMPD spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar confirmed that a fight broke out between Uber and metered taxi drivers near the Midrand Gautrain station at 9.15pm on Friday, 20 May. “I can’t confirm injuries and there were no arrests,” he added.
The incident comes only hours after three JMPD police officers were injured on 20 May after metered taxi drivers began throwing stones at Uber drivers and their vehicles near the Sandton Gautrain station.
WATCH: Moment violence erupts outside Gautrain station
After the incident at the Sandton Gautrain station, Uber spokesperson Jessica Gois said, “We are aware of an incident that took place in Sandton this afternoon involving intimidation and violence against Uber driver-partners. Authorities were notified and arrests have been made. The threats and intimidation against those who want to use Uber to boost their income is unacceptable.”
She added, “As driver and rider safety is our top concern, we are encouraging drivers to avoid the Sandton area for now. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
This is a developing story. Updates will be published when they become available.
