The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and its affiliate body the South African Meter Taxi and e-hailing Association (SAMTEA) say they’ve begun work to ensure that the minibus taxi industry and e-hailing platforms operate in harmony and with mutual respect.

This follows a landmark meeting between SANTACO and e-hailing companies including Bolt, Taxi Ride and Schuma Ride.

It follows the signing of the National Land Transport Amendment Act which officially recognises e-hailing as a public transport service, requiring display branding and registration with regulators.

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It’s hoped the agreement will smooth relations between the e-hailing and minibus taxi operators.

“In a landmark meeting held last week, SANTACO and SAMTEA engaged directly with leading e-hailing companies including Bolt, Taxi Ride, and Shuma Ride,” says SANTACO National Spokesperson, Mmatshikidi Phala.

Phala says the aim of the engagement was to begin building a shared understanding and to promote cordial working relations with the traditional taxi sector and app-based transport services.

“All parties who were present have since agreed to work collaboratively in moving the industry forward,” she adds.

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