B97 taxi route remains closed for further four months

The B97 minibus taxi route between Mbekweni in Paarl and Bellville will be closed for a further four months, starting from Thursday 26 May 2022.

The taxi route between Bellville and Mbekweni, in Paarl was closed in July 2021, after efforts to end taxi violence between the local Paarl Alliance Taxi Association (PATA), which is affiliated to CODETA, and CATA Boland both who claim rights to run the B97 route, failed.

‘’My proposed actions were published under Provincial Notice 22/2022 in Provincial Gazette 8554 dated 18 February 2022. The final Notice setting out the extraordinary measures was published under Provincial Notice 24/2022 in Provincial Gazette 8556 dated 25 February 2022. Provincial Notice 24/2022 stated that the extraordinary measures would be in place for a period of three months. The period in respect of which the extraordinary measures apply expires today [Thursday],’’ said Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Daylinn Mitchell.

The reason for the extension says Mitchell is due to tensions between the conflicting taxi associations in the proposed declared areas have continued. He added that a number of violent incidents, including murders, have occurred and are being probed as part of the conflict between the taxi associations.

‘’Violence, unrest and/or instability in the taxi industry continue in the proposed declared areas, or between operators in those areas, which have led to the safety of passengers using the relevant services, residents or any other persons entering those areas, deteriorating to an unacceptable level. This extension is therefore necessary to stabilise the situation,’’ said Mitchell.

The MEC said that Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) will remain in operation between Bellvillle and Paarl. Commuters will also be able to use existing Metrorail train services between Bellville and Paarl.

‘’I expect that extending the closure of these routes and ranks will help to maintain the relative stability that was restored to the public transport environment in the affected areas and support the process of finding lasting peace,’’ said Mitchell.                                                                                                                    ‘’I have consulted with the relevant planning authorities in the affected areas, and they agree with the proposed measures,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George