Uber responds to intimidation
Uber issues statement addressing intimidation outside the Gautrain station on Friday, two weeks ago.
Uber taxi service has extended an olive branch to metered-taxi drivers in response to a fracas outside the Centurion Gautrain station Friday two weeks ago, when a woman was harassed for choosing it instead of a metered taxi.
In the statement it was said the recent intimidation, “caused by a small number of metered taxi drivers around Centurion, only underlines why people are increasingly choosing safe, reliable alternatives like Uber”.
“Our technology is open and pro-choice and we (Uber) want to offer it to a broad number of taxi drivers to boost their occupancy rates and chances for profit. In fact, many metered taxi drivers are already using our technology to boost their incomes and we would welcome more who wish to join.
“We have been in discussion with metered taxi associations, since the beginning of the year, to find a way that we can partner with them. We do not feel that it should be about Uber or taxi but rather Uber and taxi.
“We hope tourists, business travellers and residents alike can enjoy a safe, affordable, hassle-free time travelling in whichever way they choose to get around Johannesburg and will stand by us as we address these incidents of intimidation,” it said.
Tensions ran high outside the Centurion station as taxi owners fought over territory.
Angry meter taxi owners expressed concern that Uber was going to kill their business.
However, they said they were prepared to work with Uber on condition it found ways to operate within the area fairly.
A commuter who suffered harassment at the Gautrain station in Centurion for using Uber, Lanie Pieterse said the Uber taxi picked her up and on their way out of the station, a group of men jumped in front of the taxi and started banging on the bonnet with their fists.
Gautrain issued a statement on its Facebook page last week, warning commuters about fighting between Uber and metered taxi drivers parked outside the Centurion station.
“We have engaged with the authorities and ask that our commuters be vigilant at all times,” a Gautrain spokesperson said.
Also read:
Tensions high at Centurion Gautrain station
Commuters attacked at Gautrain station
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
