Taxi operations seemed to be back to normal in Johannesburg on Tuesday following a strike against the bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
”They are running normally,” said Eric Motswane, chairperson of the Greater Johannesburg Regional Taxi Council.
The South African National Taxi Council said operators had agreed to resume operations after a meeting on Monday afternoon.
”Taxi operators had abruptly embarked on a go-slow [on Monday] in protest to the BRT project but agreed to resume operations after an agreement that until the report back meeting [from government] had taken place, it was only appropriate to suspend the go-slow,” said spokesperson Thabisho Molelekwa.
The BRT system, known as Rea Vaya [we are moving], was put under extreme pressure on Monday morning as commuters left stranded by taxis resorted to using the new bus system.
”We are very disappointed that despite the decision [not to go on strike in protest against BRT] taxi drivers are not operating,” said Rehana Moosajee, the city’s mayoral committee member for transportation.
”It shows a lack of respect for the millions of commuters who have been supporting them and using their [taxi] services over the years,” said Moosajee.
The BRT system has raised the ire of the minibus taxi industry, which believes it threatens its livelihood.
Last week the taxi industry lost an emergency court bid to stop the system. Since then there has been confusion on whether the industry would strike or not. – Sapa