Tensions between taxi associations in the Atlantis area

There were tensions between taxi associations in the Atlantis area.

The Witsand Taxi Association, a member of CATA, currently holds Operating Licenses that allow for services on the route between Bellville, Saxonworld and Witsand, of Atlantis.

In Blaauwberg, other unregistered operators are seeking to operate unlawfully in the Atlantis area. Witsand Taxi Association belongs to CATA, while Blaauwberg rivals have recently joined CODETA, and established holdings within the Atlantis area.

COURTESY: Facebook - JP Smith

Mayco Member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, says such operations are unlawful, as no Operating License can be granted for operating along a designated MyCiti bus route.

‘’Several public transport vehicles were impounded for operating without the necessary permits, and with tension still running high, operations continue under a heavy policing presence. Operating Licenses are awarded through the Provincial Regulatory Entity, based on various factors, including a supply-and-demand assessment and in accordance with the Integrated Public Transport Network plan. Each license therefore, comes with stipulated conditions, including the exact route the holder (and vehicle) is authorised to operate on.’’

‘’Where drivers operate on unauthorised routes, “authorised” operators sometimes retaliate with violent conflict in an effort to protect their routes, as was seen on the B97 route between Bellville and Paarl in 2021. During the violent conflict, this route was suspended for 18 months, before being reopened and public transport activities reinstated,’’ added Smith.

He says while the City does not have the authority to consider or award Operating Licenses, it does have the obligation under the Constitution to enforce traffic regulations. Ensuring the safety of commuters and the public, therefore becomes our top priority.

‘’We have convened a centralised Joint Operations Centre in Atlantis, monitoring the situation through our various technologies, and with 105 members providing enforcement across the Atlantis area.’’

Smith called upon those operating in this sector to uphold the laws, to prevent the threat of violence or intimidation to commuters and fellow road users.

Meanwhile, the Mini-Bus Taxi Task Team (MBTTT) met on 20 August to introduce and formally welcome the new Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, who was appointed to the position in June. Sileku was briefed on key issues that have been under discussion by the MBTTT and its sub-committees.

‘’All stakeholders were invited to table further matters of interest and development within the sector, which will be taken up for further discussion in upcoming meetings. The MBTTT comprises representatives of the SANTACO-WC, the Western Cape Government, and the City of Cape Town. All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively, and seeking common ground while prioritising the safety and interests of commuters,’’ read a joint statement by Western Cape Government, City of Cape town, and SANTACO.

Done by: Sihle Jezile