Re-opening of taxi rank on the cards

It is highly likely that the Mangaung taxi rank which has been a bone of contention for some time now, will finally be operational before the end of this month, Mangaung Metro Municipality executive mayor, Olly Mlamleli, revealed.

The mayor made the disclosure at the singing of a memorandum of agreement with various taxi associations regarding the Integrated Public Transport Network’s (IPTN) first phase at Phahameng last week.

Taxi owners and drivers had previously claimed the expensive structure was defective and needed serious reworking before they could use it.

The taxi operators claimed two taxis could not go in and out of the rank at the same time, which resulted in commuters waiting in long queues and undue congestion.

Mlamleli said the municipality was well aware of reasons for the structure being idle. “I am very much aware of the circumstances around the taxi rank being idle hence we are able to engage with taxi operators from an informed position,” said Mlamleli.

Without delving into the details of the discussions between operators and the municipality, Mlamleli expressed confidence that the taxi rank will finally be in use again.

“The common view is that the rank should be utilised. All that needs to be done is to find suitable solutions on how best to do so without imposing anything on anyone,” said Mlamleli.

The mayor applauded the role played by taxi operators in the process, describing the leadership qualities they displayed in the process of correcting past errors as admirable.

“We will continue to hold talks until we reach an agreement on date for the reopening of the rank.”

When The Weekly asked Greater Mangaung Taxi Association spokesperson Thabang Mpotane to comment on the impending re-opening of the taxi rank, he said: “I have nothing to communicate with you at the moment. We will only do so once everything has been concluded with the mayor.”

Present at the signing of the MOA were various association such as Motheo District Taxi Council, Botshabelo Amalgamated Taxi Association, Greater Bloemfontein Taxi Association and Thaba Nchu Long & Short Taxi Association.