The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has announced that it will not be making any immediate decisions regarding possible taxi fare increases despite rising fuel prices. According to Santaco national spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala, the council will communicate its position once a collective decision has been concluded. The council is currently engaging with its industry members to assess the impact of rising fuel prices on taxi operators, employees, and commuters.
The latest monthly price adjustments announced by the department of mineral and petroleum resources on Monday showed motorists will pay R3.12 more for 93-grade petrol, while the 95-grade price will increase by R3.33. This means 95-grade petrol will cost R30.25 in Gauteng and other inland areas and R29.38 in coastal areas. The rising fuel prices have put pressure on various sectors, including the taxi industry.
Following a national office bearers meeting held in Kempton Park on Tuesday, Santaco has resolved to engage with its industry members, fuel suppliers, and business partners on possible measures to cushion the impact of the fuel price increases. The council aims to explore all possible options before reaching a position on fare increases. Santaco will also engage with the national department of transport and other relevant government stakeholders on possible solutions.
The council recognises that any adjustment to fares has a direct impact on commuters and therefore believes that all possible options must first be explored before a position is reached. Santaco's objective is to arrive at an ideal and sustainable solution that takes into consideration the interests and financial realities of taxi operators, employees within the industry, and commuters.
Santaco will continue with its consultations and will table the matter before its national executive committee, which will sit on Wednesday for further consideration. The council's national spokesperson, Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala, appealed to the public and commuters to remain calm and not act on speculation regarding possible fare increases.
The taxi industry is a significant mode of transportation in South Africa, and any fare increases can have a substantial impact on commuters. Santaco's engagement with its members and stakeholders aims to find a solution that balances the interests of all parties involved. The council's decision to consult with its members and stakeholders demonstrates its commitment to finding a sustainable solution.
As the council continues its consultations, commuters are advised to remain calm and await an official announcement from Santaco regarding any potential fare increases. The council's national executive committee will meet on Wednesday to further consider the matter. Santaco's decision will likely have a significant impact on the taxi industry and commuters across South Africa.
Key points
- Santaco is engaging with its members and stakeholders to assess the impact of rising fuel prices on the taxi industry.
- The council aims to explore all possible options before reaching a position on fare increases.
- Santaco will communicate its position once a collective decision has been concluded.
