Local taxi fare increase sparks commuter concerns
Commuters voice their worries as local taxi fares spike by R2.
In a move that has left commuters scratching their heads; the Emalahleni Local Taxi Association (Lota) announced a R2 increase in taxi fares, effective from Friday, September 29.
This unexpected price hike has commuters worried about the impact on their daily travel expenses.
Chairperson of Lota, Gabriel Ngomane, spoke on behalf of the association, explaining the necessity of the fare increase, “Lota has had no other option other than increasing the fares. This is the only thing we could do if we need the business to survive. We love our people who are using taxis because they also contribute to the taxi industry, but unfortunately, we had to increase the prices.”
Dimpho Nkosi, a regular taxi commuter from KwaGuqa Extension 14, expressed her concerns, particularly about the cost of her daily commute, saying, “I use a taxi every day to work, so the local distance taxi price is very expensive, especially a trip from Ezinambeni to downtown. Due to the price hike, I now have to fork out R24.00 per trip.”
Hlengiwe Mdluli echoed Nkosi’s sentiment and suggested a shift in transportation preference, stating, “This is what will make us commuters stop using taxis and start using buses. I feel like they are better now.”
Commuters also highlighted safety and convenience issues associated with taxi services.
Nathi Lubisi emphasised the need for safer drop-off locations, saying, “Taxis always increase prices. The worst thing about a taxi is that if you are working and knocking off later, they just drop you off on the road or at the station. Taxi drivers don’t care if you will have to walk a long distance until you reach your destination. They don’t care about our safety. At night, they must drop us off in a safe place.”
Amid rising fuel costs and other operational challenges, taxi operators like Lubisi face their own set of difficulties.
He acknowledged, “As much as we can complain, fuel is very expensive, I do understand the taxi industry. Everything is now costly, even food. A taxi needs to be serviced, which is another stress for the taxi drivers.”
What is your opinion about this story?
Please send us an email to info@witbanknews.co.za or phone us on 013 656 2490
- For more breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’ website www.witbanknews.co.za
- For more news and articles, like WITBANK NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or Instagram
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted to read more on this and related topics.
