The issue between meter taxi drivers and Uber drivers has become messy.
This was reported in the Sandton Chronicle article, Transport feud gets ugly.
Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp, and Sandton-based economics and accounting lecturer, Carmen Carvalho have strong opinions on the matter.
Earp explained that meter taxi drivers are threatening and intimidating Uber drivers at various locations such as the Sandton Gautrain station.
He said, “The meter taxis at the Gautrain station refuse to move their vehicles, causing major congestion at the intersection of Rivonia Road and West Street. The meter taxis have no regard for commuters’ interests and put profit before the welfare of the commuters.”
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He went alleged that these meter taxi drivers threaten residents wanting to use Uber and even attempt to assault Uber drivers who have been called to pick up passengers. Numerous residents in Earp’s ward have reportedly approached him with horror stories regarding this issue. “This situation is deteriorating and can have serious repercussions for both residents and for tourism as our foreign visitors use the Gautrain and witness these terrible events.
“No vehicles should ever be parked in the slipway as it is supposed to serve as a drop-off-and-go for commuters.”
He strongly believes that the meter taxi drivers need to understand that it is the commuter’s right to choose what mode of transport they want to use to and from the Gautrain station.
Read: Meter taxis and Uber squabble tackled at summit
He concluded by saying that the efforts of Johannesburg Metro are essential in solving this problem.
Metro police spokesperson, Edna Mamonyane said, “We are aware of the issue with Uber drivers and the meter taxi drivers. We know that steps need to be taken to solve the problem and the issue has been escalated to MEC [Member of the Executive Council] Ismail Vadi.”
An Uber driver who has chosen to remain anonymous, as he is scared to talk about this controversial issue said, “There is terrible rivalry between meter taxi drivers and Uber. But not only at the Gautrain station – the problem is just as bad at the airport because they think we are taking their business.”
Read: Gautrain Sandton Station speaks out on meter and Uber taxi squabble
Carvalho explained the economics behind this issue. She said that a major issue is the fact that Uber has taken a lot of business away from meter taxi drivers. However, she stressed that competition helps keep prices down and this benefits consumers. “Healthy competition prevents monopolists from increasing their prices as they please. The level of service also increases and people will always go with the company that offers them the best possible service at the best price.”
Samantha Allenberg, spokesperson from Uber South Africa said, “There are isolated instances of intimidation and we are working with the relevant stakeholders to resolve the is issue. We have recently improved the driver-partner security solution stationed at the Gautrain and we have also seen an increase in police presence over the past few days. We are deeply committed to rider & driver safety.”
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