Licenses needed for JHB Uber drivers

“Uber partner-drivers should apply for metered taxi licenses and they should do so as soon as possible,” said Vadi.

 

Vadi said his department would advise the Provincial Regulatory Entity, who were responsible for issuing public transport licenses, to process applications by Uber partner-drivers for metered taxi services operating licenses.

 

The suggestion and commitment by the MEC comes after Wednesday’s discussions between the Gauteng Provincial Metered Taxi Council (GPMTC) and Uber. Facilitated by Vadi, the discussions concluded in an interim framework agreement between GPMTC and Uber.

 

According to Vadi, the talks were “very constructive”, leading to clarity on the differences in services rendered by the two parties.

 

The parties agreed to holding a bilateral meeting on Saturday to further “develop a common perspective on the nature of metered taxi and Uber operations”.

 

They would also discuss improving their relationship.

 

“All parties agreed that any form of violence and intimidation against any service provider or their clients was totally unacceptable and that should any incident of this nature occur, the law enforcement agencies must act decisively against the perpetrators,” said Vadi.

 

In early July, an illegal protest by metered taxi drivers was held outside the Uber Johannesburg offices and there were reports by the mobile-driven transport service of escalating intimidation and harassment.

 

“They also agreed to encourage their respective members to desist from any such conduct that will bring the public transport industry into disrepute.”

 

Vadi added that his department would continue to uphold the principles of freedom of association and commuters’ right to decide on their transport service. -ANA

 

(File Photo: Gallo Images)