OPINION: Durban taxi strike - is there a way forward?
Its become a preferred mode of transport. Thousands are reliant on it every day.
Yet the recent strike action by taxi operators left commuters across the province fuming. Sadly it wasn’t the first time that they were inconvenienced while battles beyond their control were fought– and it probably won’t be the last. The overall sense from those affected – that a more efficient railway service is urgently needed. People generally felt that the taxi industry was holding government at ransom. It became a source of great concern for many - how to explain your lateness to your boss or explain your child entering the schoolgates, long after the bell has gone.
It all started with more than 200 taxis being impounded. Authorities explained that the vehicles did not have the proper permits. That was enough to spark strike action, causing major chaos and confusion. Parts of major roads were blocked. Buses became the favoured alternative. But as many pointed out – the industry already has many concerns and issues, which have led to previous strike action here too. So what are the options for the average person? Very little.
With the cost of living ever increasing – owning a car is not a reality for many families which means the province, and the country as a whole, will have to relook or come up with new and innovative ways to provide safe and effective modes of public transport. But besides this, local government will also have to review its stance when confronted with the realities of clear defiance by taxi drivers. Entire communities cannot have their livelihoods threatened, every time taxi drivers aren’t happy about a particular decision. In fact – when the very drivers are in violation of the rules of the road. Is it too much to ask vehicles to be properly registered and have the necessary paperwork? New thinking is needed. And beyond the meetings taking place between the two major parties – authorities and taxi drivers- the commuter also needs to become part of the discussion. We are a talking nation, we understand the importance of dialogue. The very people affected by the strikes, should be allowed to have an opinion on the situation, but could perhaps also provide authorities with much needed insights as to how we move forward.