12/07/2017: City welcomes move by Gauteng Province to curb taxi violence and disruption in Soweto
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The City of Johannesburg welcomes the closure of five taxi ranks used by NANDUWE and WATA taxi associations in Soweto in terms of Section 91 of the NLTA in an attempt to curb the ongoing violence and disruption caused by conflict between the two associations.
The conflict has thus far resulted in a number of reported deaths, cases of attempted murder, assault, intimidations, damage to property and disruptions to mobility.
“We have been very concerned with the ongoing conflict between these two associations and about the safety of commuters, residents and taxi drivers,” said MMC Makhuba, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
“We are hopeful that this move by Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport together with the assistance of Community Safety will persuade these conflicting two taxi associations to use business like methods to resolve their differences.”, she added.
“The City of Johannesburg’s Transport Department is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable public transport for residents and commuters are encouraged to use alternative public transport modes during this time”, said MMC Makhuba
For passengers seeking alternative transport, the Rea Vaya will be operating as usual. Passengers who want to purchase cards should do so between 04h45 and 21h00 at all Rea Vaya Stations. Single tickets will also be available at all stations.
Rea Vaya services operate from 04h45 in the morning until 21h00 at night and cover the following areas between Soweto and the CBD: Dobsonville, UJ Soweto Campus via Maponya Mall, Naledi, Protea Glen, Jabavu, Lakeview, Mofolo, Boomtown, Mapetla, Pimville and Eldorado Park.
In addition, Rea Vaya operates to and from Amalgam, Bosmont, Westbury, Greymont, Yeoville, Parktown, Windsor West and Cresta, Newlands and Florida North. Soweto residents can use the Rea Vaya to travel to these places.
Commuters can access more details on bus routes and frequencies as well as how to use the Rea Vaya services by downloading VayaMoja App from the app store for free, the website, www.reavaya.org.za or by calling the Joburg City’s call centre 0860 562 872.
“In view of the higher than expected passenger volumes, commuters are urged to try and leave for their regular journeys either a bit earlier or later than usual to ensure that they get a seat on the bus”, said Benny Makgoga, Rea Vaya Service Promotion Director.
Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba
MMC of Transport
City of Joburg
For more information please contact:
Tebogo Mogashoa
Stakeholder Manager: Office of the MMC – Transport – Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba
Tel: (011) 298 – 5269 | Cell: 072 631 3783
E-mail: TebogoMoga@joburg.org.za
Website: www.hotline@jra.org.za
