COMMUTERS DISGRANTLED BY TAXI FARE INCREASE.

Garankuwa commuters have raised their grievances over the local taxi fare increase from R15 to R 20 within allegedly six  months at Garankuwa taxi ranks. George Mahlala, one of the commuters said that “ Nothing is as painful as not having your own car, we already on pension we no longer have other sources of incomes. Everything is expensive nowadays. We expect the taxi drivers to sympathize with us instead of serving their own needs. We are all battling to survive and provide for our families. We all facing financial constraints. I am aware that there are fuel fare increase every month, but we still need to be considered. Taxi fare was R12 last year late, then increased to R15 and it expected to increase from 15 to 20 within a space of 6 months.”

“I am furious, judging from the distance we are actually suppose to pay R10, however they expect us to double the amount, I refuse” George Mahlale added. Bongani Masuku, one of the Mabopane taxi drivers said that “Commuters should consider us our challenges too. The fuel and the taxi parts, are expensive. We have less customers locally since there are a lot of local taxis. What affects us the most is the fuel price increase, 1 litre fuel costs R17,30”

Pablo Mehlape, one of the Commuters said that “the anticipated increase of taxi fare is so selfish of the taxi association, they should at least consider us commuters having to use local taxis everyday, first it was 10 to 15 and suddenly they raise to R20, mind you that is all happening within a year. We going through difficult times as a country.  We not against them as they also trying to feed they families, but the timing is wrong”.

Taxi drivers seems to be adamant about their decision. Commuters are still furious, against the taxi fare increase. Fikile Mbalula, the minister of transport is yet to announce and address this matter. #ladi_jaja?

By: Mbali Mabena.