BRT protest: Taxi drivers held

2010-03-15 11:08

Johannesburg - Ten taxi drivers were arrested for public violence in Soweto on Monday as tension mounted over the introduction of the next phase of the Rea Vaya buses.

"They were blocking the roads," said Gauteng police spokesperson Govindsamy Mariemuthoo as police lined roads on the routes of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system which some taxi companies said threatened their livelihood.

Last week the United Taxi Association Forum (Utaf) said it would withdraw its services as the new buses were rolled out on routes on which it said it held intellectual property rights.

A spokesperson was not immediately available, but last week Utaf's spokesperson Ralph Jones said attempts at negotiating a solution were failing because the city was not providing the right facilitators.

Stones thrown, bus stops vandalised

Extra security was placed on the Soweto Naledi Johannesburg railway line after burning tyres and other objects were placed on the tracks at about 03:00. Stones were thrown at passing carriages and passengers were intimidated.

Metrorail spokesperson Sibusiso Ngomane said they had since cleared the line and placed guards along the route, though there were delays of up to 45 minutes.

According to City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane, the Nancefield depot in Soweto was blocked with rocks and stones earlier on Monday but it was eventually cleared.

BRT bus stops were also vandalised overnight.

Metrobus also withdrew its services from the Merafhe area in anticipation of violence and would also continue monitoring the situation, said managing director Herman van Haar.

Meanwhile thousands of commuters were stranded by the unavailability of taxis and the extra pressure placed on the buses and trains.

The services being rolled out on Monday included a new complementary bus service running directly from Dobsonville to the Johannesburg central business district, and Ellis Park station, as well as feeder services transporting passengers from Naledi to Thokoza Park station, from Jabavu to Lake View station and from Mofolo to Boomtown station.

- SAPA