Monday, August 24, 2009

Taxi Industry Vows Strike When Jo'burg BRT Opens

The SA National Taxi Council plans to hold nationwide strikes beginning September 1, the day after Johannesburg's bus rapid transit system is set to begin operations. Taxi officials have been upset about not being included more in the planning process for the broad new system.

Despite negotiations not yet being concluded, the City of Johannesburg was rigidly committed to putting the BRT on line as scheduled, said Santaco secretary-general Philip Taaibosch.

"But even more frightfully, the city does this despite the flaws that exist in the business model of the BRT project...," said Taaibosch.

The government set up a National Joint Working Committee to deal with taxi operators' issues after an outcry over BRT by the taxi industry.

Taxis vow to put brakes on BRT
The Independent Online
August 21, 2009