No hike in local taxi fare as yet
With taxi fares set to double across the country, BONUS spoke to the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in Limpopo and the Seshego and Mankweng Taxi Associations on the looming increase
POLOKWANE – With taxi fares set to double across the country due to the harsh impact on the industry by the nationwide lockdown, fares in Polokwane too are likely to increase at some point. During lockdown levels four and five, taxis were only allowed to operate at 50% capacity, operating only at certain times during the day.
Read more: Taxi fare increase on the cards as Santaco butts heads with associations
When level three took effect on 1 June, the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, announced that taxis can operate at 70% capacity and operation was permitted throughout the day. This, however, did not make up for the loss the industry has incurred as a result of regulations.
BONUS spoke to Lesiba Mathobela, the Secretary of South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in Limpopo, who said they are aware of the nationally advertised fare increase across the country and they acknowledge the challenges the taxi industry faced during the lockdown.
He said they discourage the unlawful increasing of fares. “We have not received any communication yet regarding the increase of fares locally, but we encourage associations to rather wait for the relief they are going to receive from the government first.”
BONUS also spoke to the Mankweng and Seshego Taxi Associations to find out if they are considering an increase in fares.
Frans Kgasago, Spokesperson for the Mankweng Taxi Association explained that the pandemic hit the taxi industry hard and the biggest problem is not receiving a subsidy from the government during this time. “We don’t intend to increase the fares now because of the economic situation in the country but we will inform commuters in advance if there is a need. We are also running out of patience, waiting for government relief payments as we are uncertain in terms of how much will be paid out.”
Kgasago added that they might be forced to increase fares as the 70% capacity load is not a viable solution for them or their drivers and that working with the Department of Transport is proving to be challenging. Moshita Lekganyane, Spokesperson for the Seshego Polokwane Taxi Association said they do not have a reason to increase taxi fares as they have regulations to follow under the lockdown.
“We have spoken to government and they are in the process of giving us relief. Besides, we would be robbing our commuters by increasing the fares,” he said.
