SANTACO calls for commuter talks as taxi fare hike looms

Taxi operators have not yet announced any fare increases. However, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has urged taxi associations to engage with commuters on the issue.

This follows the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Department’s announcement of steep increases in the price of fuel.

Petrol prices increased by R3.06 per litre, and diesel by between R7.37 and R7.51 per litre. Taxi fares are expected to increase nationwide.

SANTACO national spokesperson Rebecca Phala says, “From the national perspective, they have definitely been guided on both ends, to say that for local trips they need to look at starting at a minimum of R2 and then going as far as the R6 and at a level of the long distance trips, the rate should start between R10 and R30.”

Meanwhile, SANTACO in the Free State has welcomed government efforts to improve road safety ahead of the Easter holidays.

Provincial chairperson Daniel Masilo says taxi operators will work with authorities to ensure compliance.

“We will also be checking the roadworthiness of the vehicle. We will also be checking the overloadness on the vehicle. That’s what we’ll doing. This we will be doing in all our regions. We have five regions, Thabo Mofutsanyane, Fezile Dabi, Gariep, Lejweleputswa. That’s where we will be visiting,” said Masilo.

SANTACO says it will continue engaging stakeholders as fuel costs impact the transport sector.

SANTACO | Commuters expected to face taxi fare hikes: