‘Taxi fare will not drop despite lower petrol price’

eNews Channel Africa (eNCA) reported that the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) says that they will not align their price charges with that of the fuel price because their price plan is not determined by the rise or decrease of the petrol price.

Commuters have in the past seen price hikes due to the fuel price but have been left with unanswered questions when the price at the pumps decreases.

SANTACO’s Phillip Taaibosch told eNCA, “I am challenging anyone to come up with the facts to prove that the taxi prices have gone up with the petrol prices.”

While this is the case, residents in the South of Johannesburg and the East Rand say although it may feel unfair, there is nothing they can do.

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Thuli Mazibuko from KwaThema said, “I don’t remember the taxi fare dropping after a drop in the petrol price, for us we don’t understand why that is the case, we just have to accept it to be true.”

According to Taaibosch who spoke to eNCA, “SANTACO has in the past been on record explaining the reasons why we would go for an increase.

“It is not specifically because of petrol but petrol is one of the components but there are other commodities which are related which forces us to re-look at our pricing then we request for an increase from our commuters.

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“We should take consideration of other things because when the taxi is on the road it is not only because of fuel, it is because of other things that keep the taxi on the road.

“The wear and tear of the taxi and the service rendered by the taxi operator to keep the taxi on the road.”

Passengers have had to commute to their destinations on mini busses which are not roadworthy on South African roads.

Speaking about the conditions of the taxis, Thabiso Mojapelo from Zonkesizwe near Alberton said, “I wonder if taxi owners look after vehicles at all, if they say they consider wear and tear of the taxis why are most in the condition they are in?

“Although I cannot say they should drop the price when the petrol price drops, I feel they should at least provide roadworthy transportation for us.”

Taaibosch is adamant that taxi operators have been reasonable to commuters with their fare charge. He says taxi associations have been mindful of the economic background of their commuters.

“If you look at our pricing, you will realise that we are not charging our customers the market related prices because they would not afford it,” he added.

“The burden of charging our customers lays 100% on our shoulders because we are not subsidised.”