Taxis continue to line up for business in Lorne Street – here’s why
It is believed that these taxi operators moved to taxi rank for about two weeks and then returned to Lorne Street, pointing out the poor security offered there
Taxis operate from Lorne Street even after the Umtshezi Public Transport Facility (taxi rank) in Alexandra Street has opened to the public, as well as taxi operators.
READ MORE: MEC officially opens public transport facility
The taxis operating from Lorne Street are long-distance taxis that travel to Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Locals still have unanswered questions as to why these taxis are allowed to operate in Lorne Street, as it is against the town’s by-laws.
It is believed that these taxi operators moved to taxi rank for about two weeks and then returned to Lorne Street, pointing out the poor security offered there.
Speaking about the taxi operator’s choice to work from Lorne Street, Vivian Cele, the Vice Chairperson of the Estcourt and District Taxi Association said: “This is a hard nut to crack and due to taxi wars, these taxi operators have asked that we as the association get permission from the municipality for them to be exempted to move to the taxi rank until better security is offered.”
Mr Cele explained that the facility does not have surveillance cameras or proper fencing and pointed out that the security guard placed at the rank cannot do much for a rank of that size with hundreds of people entering and exiting the area uncontrolled.
The enclosed transport facility has left taxi operators fearful that their lives may be in danger. Lorne Street is out in the open and for these long distance taxi operators, is a lot safer.
Mr Cele mentioned that more and more groups of taxi operators are moving out to run their businesses from private properties or in the Central Business District, this is against the by-laws governing this town.
“We have tried to arrange a meeting with the new council, and after countless attempts we have not received a response to date. Our aim is to get to know one another and get to know who we will be working hand-in-hand with. I urge them to follow up on violated by-laws and make our town a better place to live in,” said Mr Cele.
It is unclear when the municipality will tighten security at the transport facility and whether the Lorne Street taxi operator’s exemption will be given the nod.
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