MEDIA RELEASE 14 September 2006 STRIKE BY TAXI DRIVERS The City of Johannesburg is not in a position to confirm reasons for the strike of Soweto taxi drivers, as it has not received any official notification from them on this matter. We are however aware of some taxi association dissatisfaction with the introduction of Metrobus on the Soweto to Sunninghill route. It unfortunate that despite all efforts by council politicians to engage with representatives of the taxi associations whose members are affected by issues of route restructuring, it is difficult to understand why the drivers themselves embark on a strike. Strike action at this critical point will serve to diminish people's confidence in the public transport system. Our view is that there is no need to strike as the talks between the city and the associations have not deadlocked. The City remains committed to resolving issues raised on this matter. There is no question that taxis play an important role in the city's transport industry. This is further confirmed by the support they receive from commuters. But it is also a reality the City cannot ignore that the same commuters who want our Metrobus services extended to Soweto. And due to these requests, the City responded and extended services between Sunninghill and Soweto. In the present second five-year term of Cllr Amos Masondo's office, Transportation has been elevated to a special niche and pulled out of other co-departments. This will means it will get the special attention of a dedicated team with more expertise. While consultation with taxi operators on the Soweto route may not have been sufficient, it is important to note that the current ongoing discussions have been elevated to a senior political level. To prove its goodwill in this matter, the City has agreed to place a moratorium on the extension of other Metrobus routes into Soweto. This will give chance for more consultation with the taxi industry before the service is further implemented. The City hopes taxi operators will continue to support the negotiations and that drivers will ensure that commuters are not denied the service they deserve. ENDS Issued by: Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Officer CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za