11 June 2004 Press Release Metro Mall ­ Talks with taxi Associations deadlock The City of Johannesburg announced today its disappointed at the breakdown of talks with taxi associations operating from Metro Mall (MATA) regarding user fees payment that accumulated to over R1-million arrears. The Metro Mall was originally closed on May 17, 2004 because of non-payment of a two rands parking fee per taxi but had to be reopened on June 07, 2004, pending resumption of today's (Friday June 11, 2004) talks. The two parties signed an agreement that this latest round of the talks will be led by payment of current rental. This is not only disappointing but also a betrayal of trust on the side of the taxis. Their stance shows that they disrespect agreements and will make it even more difficult for the City authorities to take their word in good faith in future. If taxi operators valued support of their passengers who pay hard earned money on a taxi ride, their position would have been more conducive to an amicable outcome. Among their passengers are people who have motor vehicles in their families. They have no problem in paying a two-rands fee for 20 minutes in a meter. Yet these taxi operators are having difficulty to pay two rands per day, less 16 percent returnable to the associations. However, despite where things stand now, the City still remains committed to working with the taxi associations to find a solution to whatever concerns raised but this can not be at a price of providing free services to the operators. The City wants to emphasize the importance of paying the users fees for sustainability of the facility which has toilets, running water, lights, security and cleaners for good upkeep of the place. Taxis can be assured that all necessary steps to ensure that monies owed to it will be considered. By allowing taxis to use these facilities without paying is as good encouraging all users of the City facilities not to pay for service rendered. A culture of payment is critical to the delivery of services to all City residents. Ends 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