SANTACO wants govt to implement regulations to curb influx of unregulated e-hailing operators

JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) is calling on government to implement regulations of the National Land Transport Act to curb the influx of unregulated e-hailing operators.

The amendments to the act were signed into law by the president a year ago.

ALSO READ:

- Angry Soweto residents block roads near Maponya Mall after e-hailing driver killed

- E-hailing driver's murder at Maponya Mall believed to be linked to taxi violence - police

The council’s spokesperson, Mmatshikhindi Rebecca, said a lack of regulation in the e-hailing industry created an unsafe environment for commuters.

"There has been a disturbing rise in reports of hijackings, abductions, sexual harassment, and other violent crimes, all linked to the unchecked operation of e-hailing services under the current legal loopholes."

Meanwhile, the deputy chairperson of the South African Metered Taxi and E-hailing Association, Sibongiseni Shange, said the people who operated in the sector were not monitored by anyone.

"The regulations have not been implemented as yet, hence the app companies have been getting away with murder by frustrating the industry, adding as many cars as they want, because they are not accountable to anything."