BRT protest: Situation calm

2010-03-15 12:48

Lunga Biyela

Johannesburg – A strike by minibus taxi drivers over the introduction of feeder systems for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has calmed down, according to Johannesburg metro police.

“The situation in Soweto is calm, and we have everything under control,” Metro police spokesperson Inspector Edna Mamonyane told News24.

She said taxis drivers are believed to be gathered at a Shell garage at eMdeni in Soweto. “It appears as though they are having a meeting.”

“At the moment, we do not know what they will be doing next,” she added.

Sapa reported on Monday that police had to escort the roll-out of the latest phase of Johannesburg’s BRT system on Monday while taxis withdrew their services, leaving commuters stranded.

Ten taxi drivers were arrested for public violence in Soweto as tension mounted.

Gauteng police spokesperson Govindsamy Mariemuthoo said drivers were blocking the road and some taxi companies said the BRT system was a threat to their livelihood.

- News24