Taxi Operators in the North West Provincial Capital, Mahikeng, face tough times this festive season in the wake of high rates of pirating.
Many operators say they battle to stay afloat and up-to-date with their liabilities as more and more passengers are poached by transporters without public transportation permits.
The festive season traffic is picking up, more and more motorists and commuters are expected to hit the road and travel to various locations. But it’s not festivities for all as many in the transportation industry battle to make profits as those without permits prosper from transporting commuters illegally.
Nthutang Kgarane, Chairperson of Bradford Park rank CPA says, “You can see the taxis. They are just idling with nowhere to go. You can go to Klerksdorp or Kanye with a full load, but return alone because of piracy.”
With traffic volumes expected to multiply over the next few days road traffic officials have been deployed to maximize safety.
Public Safety spokesperson Yvonne Maqoboza says, “A large contingency of traffic officers are being deployed in our major routes in the province and we would also like to urge the motorists to be very careful on our roads as most are under construction and also urge commuters to use public transport that are permitted to avoid pirating.”
The department has also issued a stern warning to motorists to abide by the law at all times.
