GABS pleads with SANTACO not to attack their buses on Wednesday

Golden Arrow Bus Services has pleaded with taxi association, SANTACO, to ensure that other operators and commuters are not affected adversely as result of their withholding of services.

The call comes as SANTACO is set to embark on a ‘provincial stay away’ on Wednesday.

GABS’ spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said buses will operate on Wednesday.

‘’Golden Arrow Bus Services has historically come under attack whenever taxi operators or associations have held strikes or shutdowns. Once services resume the attacks are forgotten until another strike or shutdown is announced at which time the same awful process is repeated. It cannot be coincidence that our employees, passengers and assets are targeted every time that the taxi industry undertakes this type of stayaway.’’

‘’Human beings cannot be treated as collateral damage, and we do not accept the preposterous suggestion that previous attacks are coincidental or unrelated. It is not good enough to simply say that violence and damage to property is not condoned. We therefore call on SANTACO to take the necessary action to ensure that other operators and commuters are not affected adversely as result of their withholding of services,’’ she added.

PICTURE: GABS

‘’We cannot allow ourselves to be bullied in this way in what seems to be becoming a more and more frequent occurrence. We will take whatever legal action is necessary to protect our rights and the rights of our passengers,’’ added Dyke-Beyer.

GABS denied using the B97 route as SANTACO claimed.

‘’We would like to correct the untruths that have been spread regarding the B97 Paarl to Bellville route. Golden Arrow operated on that route temporarily as of July 2021 at the behest of the MEC for Transport and Public Works until such a time as a resolution was reached between the taxi associations servicing the route. We ceased selling multi-journey products in the weeks leading up to the service cancellation which officially took place on 23 December 2022.’’

‘’Whilst we no longer operate the B97 route, we do operate a separate Wellington to City service which we introduced in December 2020, for which we have all the requisite permissions and operating permits. We will not cease operating on this route as a result of bullying and false information,’’ she added.

Dyke-Beyer said they cannot be blamed if passengers prefers buses over taxi’s.

‘’Passengers have a right to choose their preferred mode of transport and to do so without fear of recrimination.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George