Shock at 172% taxi fare hike might prompt action

THE massive taxi fare hike has been received with shock and the government has already indicated that it might fight the increase.

Johannesburg taxi commuters travelling from Alexandra and Sandton should brace themselves for a 172% increase as taxi associations try to survive.

The Alexandra-Randburg-Midrand-Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta) and the Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA) issued a notice to commuters that an increase would take effect from June 15. The associations said the R30 increase across the board was because of the government’s 70% capacity regulation, fuel increases and an increase in spare prices.

“This increase is necessary as we are losing revenue and the government is not assisting taxi operators,” the two associations said.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said he wanted to remind the taxi industry that the current lockdown regulations prevented illegal profiteering. As a result, Mbalula announced that he would refer the taxi fare hike to the Competition Commission to assess if the fare increases were fair and justifiable.

“We understand there may be a need for fare increases, but those must be fair. The industry must take into consideration the plight of the poor and working class, who are the majority of the customers,” he said.

Midday Mali, Gauteng spokesperson of Santaco, said the council would host a meeting with the associations on Wednesday to understand what prompted the fare hike.