Durban long-distance taxi operations resume after association, KZN Transport Dept tensions ease

DURBAN - Tensions between the Durban Long Distance Taxi Association and the Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal seem to have eased now.

This comes after long-distance drivers blockaded intersections on major routes in Durban, protesting the impounding of their vehicles.

The department said over 100 permits, which operators are required to have, have not been collected from their offices.

Drivers took to the streets, raising an issue with the permits.

Community members travelling mostly to rural towns from Durban will now breathe a sigh of relief as long-distance taxis will continue operations.

Transport officials met with the association's top bosses in Durban yesterday following the days-long taxi strike.

ALSO READ: Two-year dispute over taxi routes in KZN comes to an end

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said, "At the end of the day, their taxis must be roadworthy, they must comply and adhere to the rules of the law. We've agreed that from now we are just going to talk, open negotiations, and they must come to the department and fetch their permits."

Taxi boss Mandla Gcaba said business will return to normal.

"The meeting was very good, it went very well, and I am hoping that whatever resolution we've achieved, they are going to be implemented from today."

A task team has also been established to handle issues between the department and the association.