BuaNews (Tshwane)
Edwin Tshivhidzo
12 March 2008
Pretoria — Taxi commuters should brace themselves for a price increase, following the recent petrol price hike.
The new price could be effective from next Monday. Last week saw the price of petrol rising by 60 cents a litre, tipping the price of unleaded petrol to over R8 a litre.
Addressing the media on Tuesday in Pretoria, South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Secretary General Philip Taaibosch said the industry was currently discussing a price hike.
"The industry is not receiving any subsidy from government, hence this makes it difficult for us as the industry to operate," Mr Taaibosch said.
He said consideration would be made for people using more than one taxi to get to work.
"We will consider such people so as not to make their lives difficult," he said.
Last week, BuaNews conducted a survey asking taxi operators about the petrol price increase.
Most expressed concerns that it would be difficult for them to operate as they were also expecting a price increase in the maintenance of their vehicles.
Taxi operator, Mosweo Moloisane also expressed concern.
"The cost of maintenance for our vehicles is also going to rise while we are not making any money," he said, adding that he hoped government would intervene.
"People will now resort to cheaper modes of transport such as trains and buses," said the concerned businessman at the time.
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