NTA threatens national shutdown over bus routes
The National Taxi Alliance has threatened to shut down all taxi operations following the government's decision to give an operating licence to a private bus company on the routes normally operated by taxis.
The alliance wants a 30% stake in the bus company, which operates in Ekurhuleni.
Commuters in Germiston, Katlehong, Tembisa and other areas of the East Rand were left stranded on Thursday morning after taxi drivers embarked on a strike.
Spokesperson Theo Malele said the bus company operates on routes that belong to taxis.
"The National Taxi Alliance notes the bus contracts issued in Ekurhuleni do not reflect the entire taxi industry's stance on the aspect of it being accorded a stake in the issuance of a contract along routes it operates and has nurtured all the years.
"The development of these routes was done by the taxi industry, and therefore, the taxi Industry should be given at least 30% of the contract to compensate for the development and the losses it will incur in the process.
"Should the authorities remain incalcitrant in the matter, the industry will be left with no option either than to escalate the current shutdown in Ekurhuleni to national proportion, thus crippling the mobility of the masses as a consequence.
"We urge authorities to deal with the taxi industry's resentment as a matter of urgency," he added.
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