Taxi troubles

COMMUTING to work, school, clinics or anywhere around Bhekuzulu has been difficult for many, with the Department of Community Safety and Transport rolling out its Operation Shanela in Vryheid for almost a week now.

The operation, which commenced on Thursday, June 20, has seen many taxis being impounded leaving hundreds of people stranded on the roadsides with very few taxis to transport them.

According to a spokesperson at the Vryheid Road Department, this operation was of great importance as there is quite a large number of taxi drivers that transport commuters to and from town without Public Transport/ Road Permits.

Unroadworthy taxis were also impounded for the sake of the commuters’ safety.

Members of taxi associations, especially the taxi owners, appeared at the Vryheid Magistrates Court on Monday, June 23 to pay for their impounded taxis to be released.

According to the Road Department, taxi owners are advised to pay for their taxis and collect them sooner rather than later as each impounded taxi accumulates R200 per day.