E-hailing drivers ‘forced’ to pay R20k to operate in Ballito
The Dolphin Coast Taxi Association has defended its decision to charge a so-called “joining fee” to e-hailing drivers in the area.
The fee, which e-hailing drivers say amounts to R20 000, allows the drivers to continue operating in Ballito.
The Uber and Bolt drivers, who claim they are being strong-armed into paying, say they were informed of the fee last Wednesday.
E-hailing drivers and taxi operators have a history of conflict, with the taxi industry demanding that e-hailing services be regulated in the same way as all other public transport providers.
A Bolt driver from Ballito, who requested not to be named, says he had no choice but to comply.
"We normally face the association and the miss-agreements on payments, robberies, hijackings. In certain areas we don't operate, if they catch you have to pay them. They take money by force, if not that, they take the car. We are aware the things we do are illegal. Now I told myself to comply with each terms and conditions they bring."
The association’s secretary, Daniel Lynn, says the fee will keep the area from being flooded by e-hailing services.
"Lots of residents in Ballito are complaining. Children go missing, and people get robbed. Drivers from Empangeni and Pietermaritzburg all work here in Ballito.
"We, as taxi people, can't monitor them if we don't have them on our database. We will have their logbooks and number plates in case someone takes a metre taxi, and something happens in that taxi. But now, if they come and go as they please, no one knows what is going on, and we can't take the blame because they are going to bring our name down as an association."
E-hailing drivers and taxi operators have a history of conflict in South Africa, with the taxi industry demanding that e-hailing services be regulated in the same way as all other public transport providers.
