Mankweng Taxi Association disheartened by reaction to fare increase
Apart from a R2 fare increase, the Mankweng Taxi Association have also scrapped their special fares practice and the special fare for learners as a result of a continuous increase in cost of living.
POLOKWANE – The Mankweng Taxi Association (MTA) said they are disheartened about commuters’ disapproval of their decision to increase fares by R2 and not a lesser amount.
The association’s fare increase came into effect on July 1, along with other changes, which means a single trip from Mankweng to Polokwane will now cost commuters R26.
You might also want to read: SPTA sets the record straight for disgruntled commuters
MTA spokesperson Frans Kgasago told the Polokwane Reveiw that the increase comes as a result of a continuous inrease in cost of living. “We delayed implementing a fare increase despite fuel price increases because we understand the socio-economic hardships experienced by commuters,” he said.
Kgasago explained that the association also scrapped the special fares practice that allowed people to pay R22 before 08:00 during morning commutes as well as the special fare for learners with all commuters expected to pay the same amount.
“It is unfortunate that commuters don’t seem to understand that the taxi industry cannot work at a loss. As much as we want to meet our commuters halfway, we are not like state-owned buses or other transport options subsidised by the government. The taxi industry is self-reliant,” he said.
A commuter Dikarabelo Solomo said he had hoped for a lesser increase. “I understand times are tough but I wished they increased by R1. There is nothing we can do now,” he said.
Khutso Makgoba said he understands where the association is coming from as “they allowed us to pay less for too long”, while another commuter said the R2 increase is too much.
“They could have at least increased by R1. We must consider buses now,” the commuter said.
