Taxi associations to march to Joburg mayor's office over unpaid fees related to BRT system
The march is over unpaid fees after being instructed to stop operations to make way for the Rea Vaya bus service.
Picture: © Alexey Stiop /123rf.com
JOHANNESBURG - Taxi associations in Johannesburg are expected to march to Mayor Dada Morero’s office on Thursday morning.
This is over unpaid fees after the taxi associations were instructed to stop operations to make way for the Rea Vaya bus service.
In 2016, taxi operators in Soweto, Noordgesig, Pennyville, Riverlea, and Bosmont were offered compensation of R830,000 per vehicle to cease operations, making space for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to operate.
About 317 taxis were removed from service, however, many of the owners claim they have yet to receive the payments.
Taxi associations including Faraday, Alexandra, and Dobsonville plan to march from Mary Fitzgerald Square in the CBD to Mayor Morero’s office.
Despite the looming protest, it was business as usual in Soweto on Thursday morning.
Both taxis and Rea Vaya buses were operating at near-full capacity, with commuters lined up and boarding on schedule.
One of Soweto’s busiest Rea Vaya stations, Thokoza Park commuters queued outside, seemingly unaware of the protest.
"I know nothing about the strike; I’m only hearing it from you. I just hope it doesn’t affect my travel."