B97 route from Paarl to officially reopen after more a year closed

 The leaders of the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) and Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) signed an agreement on Monday to re-open the B97 minibus-taxi route from Mbekweni (Paarl) to Bellville.

Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Daylin Mitchell, said that an agreement was reached following discussions with the government, after the route had been closed for more than a year. 

The route was closed in July 2021, following deadly disputes between taxi operators claiming rights to commute in the road. The closure of the road was extended multiple times due to renewed violence.

In September and October 2021, 19 taxi-related murders and 9 attempted murders were reported.

“ During July 2021, I invoked my powers in terms of section 91 of the National Land Transport Act (Act no.5 of 2009) to close the route following several incidents of violent conflict and the loss of lives.''

''This decision was taken in consultation with the affected municipalities, the South African Police Services, and regulatory stakeholders given the fact that the safety of passengers had degenerated to an unacceptable level”, said Mitchell.

The route is expected to officially resume on the 25^th of September 2022. 

Mitchell said in terms of the agreement the two association will equally commensurate to the demand for services as shown in the transportation plans for the area. He further stated that both associations have committed to stop recruiting new members in excess of passenger demand and to desist from allowing illegal operators to trade on route B97.

The Drakenstein Municipal Council resolved to support new operating licences in respect of route B97 to create a more equitable balance between demand and supply. An application process has been agreed with the affected associations to start.

The route will remain closed until the regulatory process has been finalised and furthermore details will be shared in due time.

Meanwhile the Golden Arrow bus service will continue to operate in parallel to the taxi service post the re-opening of the route until all bus tickets/clip-cards have expired.

by Everngelista Muza