Santaco welcomes e-hailing services as official public transport partners after major policy shift

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has committed to enhancing collaboration with e-hailing operators after a major policy change by the Department of Transport. 

The recent National Land Transport Amendment Act, introduced in September, officially recognises e-hailing services as a form of public transport - an inclusion long awaited by the industry.

Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the council’s decision to collaborate more with e-hailing platforms was driven by the new regulations, which offer much-needed clarity on operational boundaries. 

"We envision there being cordiality. We envision there being an understanding of who does what where. But also working collaboratively, especially on the aspect of safety."

The Act outlines regulations for where e-hailing vehicles can operate or wait for passengers and establishes identification requirements to differentiate legitimate operators. 

Phala emphasised that these measures would enhance coordination and decrease conflict between taxi and e-hailing drivers.

Addressing past tensions, she pointed out that incidents of violence involving taxi and e-hailing drivers were frequently driven by criminal activities rather than authorised actions by taxi associations. 

"We're also hoping that those who continue to victimise fellow public transport operators can be easily identified, and then they can be put through the necessary prosecution and essentially legal avenues."

To listen to Rebecca Phala in conversation with Jacob Moshokoa on CapeTalk's Early Breakfast show, click on the audio below: