Gauteng closes routes for taxis

2010-03-29 19:02

Johannesburg - All routes and ranks operated by the Witwatersrand African Taxi Owners Association (Wata) would be closed from Tuesday morning, the Gauteng transport department said.

"This closure affects all minibus taxis belonging to or operating under the above-mentioned association, including those operating on the Joburg BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system," spokesperson Philemon Motshwaedi said in a statement.

Although he was aware this would inconvenience commuters, the department wanted people to know it had "their interest at heart", and urged those affected to make alternative transport arrangements.

Wata's operations posed a threat to stability, and had the potential for unrest and conflict, Motshwaedi said.

"The department does not want to wait until it is too late. We see this action as one of the preventive measures that will mitigate the impending violence.

"A decision to close the routes and ranks operated by Wata was taken in terms of section 93 of the Gauteng Public Passenger Road Transport Act, No 2 of 2000."

A notice of the intended closure was issued and published in the provincial Government Gazette, allowing interested and affected parties to request reasons and make representations.

"No requests for reasons, comments or representations were received."

- SAPA