UNCEDO Service Taxi Association (USTA) has indicated it is slowly losing its patience with drivers without valid permits who are poaching passengers at various hitch-hiking spots in Komani.
Two private operators, who wanted to remain anonymous, contacted The Rep, claiming that they had been mishandled by Uncedo members.
One of the drivers said he was travelling from King William’s Town when he was stopped by union members upon entering Komani.
He said they took the fare of the people he was transporting and that, despite him then reporting it to the police, he did not get any assistance. Instead, he said, he was referred to the USTA offices which he did not see the point of doing.
USTA Komani branch chairman Ayanda Peyi said the association has been dealing with matters like these ever since the establishment of the body in 1983.
The aim was to ensure the taxis with valid permits that belonged to the association, did not lose money due to the operation of others who did not have permits.
“We are also trying to work hand in hand with law enforcement regarding this matter. We do not have a problem with a car that gives one or two hitchhikers a lift, we only have a problem with these particular vehicles that drive around town picking up our passengers.”
USTA taxi driver Wonga Ginyinginyi said commuters who used USTA taxis, had to fill in forms with their contact details, home address, destination and details of next of kin in case of an accident or loss of belongings.
Peyi denied that taxi drivers confiscate the fares of private drivers, saying that passengers were just offloaded.
“Our mandate is constituted in the National Land Transport Act. We pay our taxes by doing this job and we love being in the taxi industry, because it welcomes everyone.”
Vuyolwethu Koto said she prefers hitch-hiking when it was late in the afternoon to ensure she reached her destination quicker.
The provincial department of transport and the police were unable to comment due to related discussions currently under way in the Komani area.
