Taxi operators, EFF plan big campaign against bus system

TAXI operators in the southern Cape are teaming up with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), setting the wheels in motion for a massive resistance campaign to halt the roll-out of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the region.

Disgruntled taxi owners, operators and drivers slammed the new public transport system, saying they are unhappy because operators have been “tricked” out of a decent living wage.

The group wants an immediate moratorium to be placed on the project until all outstanding issues have been settled.

The “Go George” public transport system is the country’s first non-metro integrated public transport network, which will eventually cover George, before expanding to neighbouring towns.

Cornelius Esau, from the George Taxi Association, said the association’s main concerns are the issue of ownership of Go George and the unconstitutional sliding scale being implemented to pay taxi operators out for their permits.

“The pay-outs start at R350 000 for one permit, thereafter operators only get R200 000 for their second permit, while the price decreases for every other permit thereafter, irrespective of if it is for the same route,” he said.

Esau accused the provincial and local governments of operating like “gangsters” in their negotiations with the taxi associations. “They promised operators that they will be better off with the new transport system. Instead, many taxi operators and drivers in the Blanco, Rosemore and Pacaltsdorp area are finding themselves in dire straits, with no jobs or income, while the pay-outs have already dried up.”

Esau said the operators had to settle the debt on their own vehicles, with many being left with nothing afterwards. He insisted that Go George be probed. “We are lodging a complaint with the public protector’s office. We want the issue of nepotism investigated and we want to know if there are any corrupt links between officials at the George municipality and the Go George company,” he said.

The EFF said a “firm stance” should be taken against the provincial and local government’s proposed transport system in the southern Cape, adding that it would throw its weight behind any mass disruptions in George.

Western Cape leader Bernard Joseph said together with the backing of communities and taxi operators in the neighbouring towns of Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay, the EFF would stage ongoing marches to disrupt George.

The EFF said the issue of ownership of the new bus transport system had come under dispute, with some claiming the taxi industry only holds part of the shares, despite assurances from the George municipality that it is “100 percent owned” by members from the George minibus taxi industry.

The EFF and taxi operators are to hold a public meeting today, during which they will outline their campaign.