Taxi commuters started paying more from the start of July.
Taxi’s are also permitted to load their vehicles at full capacity.
Since lockdown began on 28 March, the taxi industry has lost a lot of money as they could only load a limited number of people to ensure that social distancing was practised, and could only operate within a certain time period.
The taxi fare in Potchefstroom has increased by R 3, 00.
Zwelibanzi May, the deputy chairperson of the Greater Potch Taxi Association, said some of the taxi’s prices have gone up to R 15 per trip, but in Promosa, commuters are charged R 17.
“Taxi Associations are discussing the issues that we are facing on the matters of prices,” he said.
Motsoane Tshepo, a taxi commuter says he isn’t happy about the increase of the loading capacity and fare.
However, he understands the decision taken to increase the fare, but suggests that people should have been informed well in advance so they could prepare themselves. He believes if the government could have resolved the issues surrounding funds for those in the taxi industry, the prices wouldn’t have gone up so soon.
“There’s no social distancing at all in taxis. Sometimes I’d rather walk but the town is just too far,” he stated.
Moeketsi Kaizer Motaung isn’t a commuter but he is standing by taxi’s operating with a full load and the increase in prices as he believes that they (Taxi operators) weren’t getting enough relief during the lockdown.
With regards to the health and safety of passengers, he says that everyone has the responsibility to ensure that they are safe while in a taxi.
Especially since there are a number of taxi drivers who drive without masks. Zwelibanzi says during their regular inspection, he noticed some of them putting their masks on. He suggests that this may be taxi drivers without the necessary permits.
Zwelibanzi says that the Taxi Associations and taxi owners are working with a group called The Village Associate to hopefully bring in screeners and people who sanitise commuters before and after they get into a taxi.
“All passengers must wear their masks. No mask, No ride,” he said.
