Uber cabs back in town

Multiple reports of Dolphin Coast Taxi Association (DCTA) members intimidating and threatening Uber drivers for transporting matrics attending the Rage festival led to a one week suspension of the Uber service in Ballito.

While the incidents of intimidation were occurring, the Rage Festival organisers removed Uber as an affiliated partner and instructed Uber drivers to not transport passengers on routes allocated to the DCTA. Director of One-Eyed Jack (the Rage Festival’s public relations firm), Darren Sandras said that these steps were taken in order to “mitigate the tensions” between both entities.

There was public outcry as a result of Uber temporarily freezing its Ballito routes.

Salt Rock resident Debbie Labuschagne, whose family struggled to organise Uber cabs last week, said that the taxis “are like the mafia”. Dolphin Coast resident Mpumeh Xulu said on the Courier Facebook page that the “taxi owners are bullies”. Uber spokesperson, Samantha Allenberg said the threats against and intimidation of those choosing to use Uber were unacceptable.

“The intimidation and threats of violence from the primary transport providers of the Rage Festival only underlines why people are increasingly choosing safe, reliable alternatives like Uber”, said Allenberg.

“We call on the Rage organisers to bring their suppliers to task or secure police intervention to help ensure everyone can enjoy a safe, affordable, hassle-free time travelling,” she added.

“Our main focus is the safe and efficient transportation of all our festival-goers. We strongly condemn any acts of violence as this does not in any way represent our festival,” said Sandras in a statement on behalf on G&G Productions.

On Sunday, December 6, however, Uber once again became available for hire in Ballito as the festival drew to an end.

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