UPDATE: Meter taxis and Uber squabble tackled at summit

Dudu Lushaba, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, said more than 100 meter taxi operators, Metro police and City officials attended the summit at Marks Park in Emmarentia.

Also read Taxi drivers protest against Uber

“The summit canvassed the views of the metered taxi industry on issues ranging from serving passengers, ranks and holding spaces, law enforcement and licensing, safety and fares. The City also presented a number of options for further engagement with the taxi industry,” explained Lisa Seftel, executive director of transport for the City.

Uber was invited to the summit, however, Seftel said the meter taxi industry represented by the Johannesburg Metered Taxi Council, were upset by their presence since Uber did not see themselves as meter taxis. “After the intervention of the MMC for Transport, Christine Walters, Uber left the summit and the proceedings continued,” said Seftel.

Also read Meter taxi drivers allegedly attack Uber car in Sandton

She added that the meter taxi operators present at the summit expressed their unhappiness with the way in which Uber was operating in their areas. “They were angry about the fact that Uber say they are an App, but really are in competition with them, and do so without being subject to the same regulations as them,” explained Seftel.

Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp said, “The City must apply the law and ensure that all vehicles [Uber and metered taxis] are registered and that there is healthy competition in the industry. They [the City] also need to ensure that commuters are safe and need to take immediate action against meter taxi drivers who take the law into their own hands.”

Walters added, “It is urgent to ensure that Uber is subject to the same regulatory dispensation as other metered taxi operators to prevent unfair competition.”

Seftel said the City and the meter taxi industry were committed to meet again to take forward the deliberations of the summit and report back within six months.

This is a developing story and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Do you think the squabble between meter taxi drivers and Uber will eventually be settled? Share your views with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page