Taxi permit lag to be addressed

Newly appointed Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi on Tuesday assured taxi operators that government is going to address the taxi permit backlog.

The Minister was speaking during a visit to Wanderers taxi rank in the Johannesburg CBD.

“We have heard your concerns and as government, we are going to do everything in our power to address your concerns,” the Minister said.

Maswanganyi said he was aware that the issue of permits is causing problems in the taxi industry.

The Minister - accompanied by his deputy Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Gauteng MEC for Transport, Ismail Vadi and South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) President Philip Taaibosch - called on the taxi industry to always ensure that they use roadworthy vehicles.

“As government, we are not going to tolerate unroadworthy vehicles on our roads,” he said.

Other concerns raised by taxi operators included corrupt traffic law enforcement officers, who want bribes.

A major issue for drivers is also fatigue, as they are forced to work long hours.

Taxi commuters also used the opportunity to voice their grievances over being harassed by taxi operators. The Minister said no form of abuse of passengers, especially towards women, will be tolerated.

- SAnews.gov.za