This is amidst the coronavirus fund relief dispute between government and Santaco, that claims the government's R1 billion relief funding, which allegedly translates to R5 000 per each taxi, is a slap in the face. 

Santaco released its statement on Twitter, indicating how its fare hike will affect commuters in the Northern Cape, Free State and North West, effective from Wednesday. It says prices in the North West will be hiked by 10%, Northern Cape commuters will also be forced to pay 10% more while those using public transport in the Free State can hold their breath for the next four months as local fares will only be hiked in December. The country's biggest taxi organisation, which claims to ferry about 65% of the country's population every day, also increased the long distance fares by 10% in the Free State, effective 1 July.

Other provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal will see a 20% increase, the Eastern Cape 10%, Gauteng commuters will have to pay R7 more for local distances while R50 will be added for those travelling long distances. 

Business Day recently reported that Santaco launched a R3.5bn fund to cushion the blow of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industry, which transports 16.5 million passengers daily. The taxi organisation has requested business communities, the government and car manufacturers, among others, to come on board and make contributions to the fund.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula recently cautioned against a decision taken by Santaco to load taxis at 100% capacity as opposed to 70%, as proposed by the government, to stem the spread of Covid-19. Mbalula said "it is rather unfortunate and regrettable that the taxi industry leadership has elected to violate the law and forcefully load taxis at 100% capacity and undertake inter-provincial operations without the required permits, rather than await a decision on the matters they have tabled."

He added that government has a responsibility to ensure that all measures in place as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, are driven by the commitment to preserve human life and avoid an uncontrolled spread of the virus.  Mbalula and Santaco are set to meet on Thursday to charter a way forward amidst the dispute for Covid-19 fund relief. 

OFM News