POLOKWANE – When the province launched Transport Month on Tuesday, the celebration was overshadowed by soaring fuel prices and the threat of a taxi shutdown.

This year’s theme, “From momentum to delivery: anchoring economic growth through accountable leadership and governance, efficient infrastructure, restored and reliable transport services”, aims to link villages to towns and connect workers and learners to jobs and schools, said Transport MEC Nakedi Kekana.

Fuel hikes hit as Transport Month begins

The focus on affordable travel, however, came as the country faced its latest fuel price increase, which took effect on Wednesday.

Petrol increased by more than R3 a litre to above R30.25, while the cost of diesel rose by more than R3.24 a litre, amid international tensions affecting fuel prices.

Kekana acknowledged the important role of the taxi industry and other public transport operators in moving people.

“We must also recognise the important contribution made by the taxi industry and other public transport operators to the movement of our people. The majority of our communities rely on public transport every day,” she said.

Subsidies to keep transport affordable

On transport costs, she said government needed to ensure that public transport remained affordable and accessible.

“We must also ensure that transport is affordable and accessible. The province has awarded subsidy contracts to operators to provide public transport services to our communities at a much cheaper fare,” Kekana said.

“These subsidies are an important intervention because we recognise that the cost of transport can place a significant burden on households, particularly poor and working-class families.”

She added that government must ensure people are not excluded from economic and social opportunities because they cannot afford to travel.

Taxi alliance warns of shutdown

Ahead of the launch, the National Taxi Alliance warned that it was close to calling a national shutdown if government did not assist with subsidies and rising operating costs.

The alliance argued that taxis carry most commuters but do not receive subsidies similar to those provided to bus operators.

National government acknowledges pressure

At the national Transport Month launch last week, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy acknowledged the pressure facing households and public transport operators.

“This year has been a difficult one for households, bus and taxi operators. The geopolitical environment, impact on supply chains, trade routes and the fuel price is there for all to see. We are doing everything in our power to make public transport more affordable,” she said.

Santaco intervenes

The immediate threat of a shutdown eased following intervention by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco).

Spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said leaders had met and agreed to consult the fuel industry and government.

“At this stage, Santaco is making no announcement regarding possible taxi fare increases. The council recognises that any adjustment to fares has a direct impact on commuters,” Phala said.