By: Sthulile Mdletshe
KZN Santaco West Region spokesperson, Thulani Bhengu, says the organisation has no issue with e-hailing services themselves, but it does take issue with how some e-hailing drivers are operating.
Bhengu explains that while e-hailing has a place in the transport sector, many of its drivers are not adhering to the rules and regulations that govern the taxi industry.
He says this creates unfair competition and compromises passenger safety. Bhengu adds that Santaco wants all operators, whether traditional taxis or e-hailing services, to abide by the same rules in order to ensure the industry remains safe and sustainable.
“We’re not fighting the e-hailing operators, but we are seeing a problem with some 7-seater drivers who have infiltrated the association’s ranks and are now even transporting staff members like ourselves.
“We don’t have an issue when passengers request these services. However, we are experiencing challenges with e-hailing operators taking staff away from us,” says Bhengu.
