Impromptu taxi ranks sprout around town

After years of complaints from affected business owners and almost accidents, the impromptu taxi rank in Murray Street is deemed acceptable by most in the taxi industry.

Taxi drivers park their vehicles in the parking bays, prompting business owners to question the move.

When the Highvelder enquired about the taxi rank in 2013, the rank was deemed illegal by the municipality’s spokesman, Mr Mandla Zwane, who said the Director of Public Safety for Msukaligwa at that time, Mr Daniel Maluleke, had personally attended to the issue on several occasions, dating back to 2010.

However, to this day taxis still operate in Murray Street.

A member of a local taxi association has explained the taxis are there for hitchhikers who are going to Bethal or Davel.

When asked whether it is legal, he said they have allowed members to park in Murray Street, but are looking for alternative places and ways to curb the influx of hitchhikers on that particular route.

“It is however, in the best interests of commuters to use taxis at taxi ranks, especially when travelling long distance,” one member said.

“You get in a taxi, your name is recorded and your details are written down in case of an emergency.

“When a passenger hitchhikes with private vehicles, they are not recorded and it makes it hard for families to locate them if something were to happen on their way to their destination.”

The taxi rank is one of a few in Ermelo.

Taxis going to Daggakraal or Amersfoort use Church Street as a taxi rank.

The taxis park near the shops and encourage commuters to use them instead of hitchhiking.

Representatives of the long distance taxi association in Ermelo responded to queries stating they are aware of the complaints and trying to fix the problem.

Also read: A taxi driver’s usual day

One member said they are no longer parking haphazardly in Murray Street to avoid accidents.

“Like every other person we are trying to put food on our table, but you find owners of private cars poaching passengers,” he said.

He is alluding to the cars that frequently park near the Piet Retief Road, offering hitchhikers travel at a lesser price than the usual taxi fare.

According to him, this affects business, forcing them to begin these taxi ranks.

However, hitchhikers are also not having it.

“Sometimes you are without enough money for these taxis or in a hurry and use the hiking spot,” one hitchhiker said.

“I will not be bullied into using taxis.”

When queried about the bullying of hitchhikers by taxi drivers, representatives of the association are adamant that it is not acceptable as a hitchhiker has the right to choose any mode of transport.

They condemn any form of violence towards commuters.

On the other hand, some passengers welcome these taxi ranks with one passenger saying it is easier going to where a taxi is parked than having to go to the taxi rank in the CBD.

“I do my shopping and walk to the taxi I need.

“It beats lugging around heavy loads of groceries to downtown Ermelo.”

Until then, these impromptu taxi ranks will be popping up everywhere.

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