Following an illegal protest by metered taxi drivers outside Uber’s Rivonia office on 3 July, (See previous story) and a spate of attacks on Uber drivers and riders at various flashpoints around the city, spokespersons for JMPD, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and Uber Joburg made the following statements.
Chief Superintendent Wayne Minaar, spokesperson for JMPD, said, “Unfortunately, there can’t be an officer on every street corner. We have, however, dispatched more patrol cars to monitor Gautrain stations closely at the moment. OR Tambo International falls out of the JMPD’s area of jurisdiction; we don’t operate as far as the airport. The public is urged to be vigilant, and if an incident does occur, it should be reported at the nearest police station.”
Colin Naidoo, spokesperson for ACSA, said, “OR Tambo International Airport falls under the jurisdiction of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). The metered taxi drivers at the airport are aggrieved by Uber drivers using their designated taxi areas. Uber is not a taxi service. It is an app. Uber drivers should be using the public drop-off or pick-up areas, or the public parking, to conduct business with their clients. There is a police station on the ground floor of OR Tambo where the public should report any incidents of intimidation.”
Alon Lits, general manager of Uber Joburg said “Our technology is open and pro-choice, and we are keen to offer it to a broad number of taxi drivers to boost their occupancy rates and chances for profit. In fact, many metered taxi drivers are already using our technology to boost their incomes, and we would welcome more who wish to join their colleagues. We have been engaging with metered taxi associations since the beginning of the year to find a way that we can partner with them. We do not feel that it should be about Uber or taxi, but rather Uber and taxi.”
With regard to the recent spate of attacks on Uber drivers and riders, he said, “We are working with all relevant stakeholders in Johannesburg and Gauteng to resolve this as a matter of urgency. We hope tourists, business travellers and residents alike can enjoy a safe, affordable, hassle-free time travelling, however they choose to get around Johannesburg.”
Do you think Uber and law enforcement agencies are doing enough to protect the personal safety of Uber drivers and riders?
