Staff Reporter
The Greater Bloemfontein Taxis Association (GBTA) and Interstate Bus Lines say they have withdrawn their services from the greater Bloemfontein area because most roads have been blocked as a result of a planned shutdown across the city which started last night.
GBTA public relations officer Coach Mpotane has told The Free Stater by telephone that all their taxis are grounded because most roads in the townships are impassable and it is dangerous to put their vehicles on the road.
“We are not operating. All our vehicles are parked but at the end of the month we still have to pay for them,” he said.
“We felt it would be dangerous to put our vehicles on the road as they could be stoned. We also didn’t want to risk the lives of the drivers and passengers, hence we decided not to operate,” added Mpotane, who could not indicate for how long their operations could remain on hold.
He however hit out at the organisers of the shutdown saying they could have made their case to the city authorities without disrupting business as it could cost some people their jobs.
“We just have to wait until the protest organisers have satisfied themselves but community members might not be too patient with them,” said Mpotane.
“There are two groups. Some people want to go to work because they don’t want to lose their jobs and then we have those protesting.
“We know who the organisers are. Maybe after this we could sue them for loss of income because we still have to pay for our vehicles and other services.”
Interstate Bus Lines passenger liaison officer John Nketsi confirmed that their services in Bloemfontein are limited.
“We are not operating in the greater Bloemfontein area due to the shutdown. We have no buses moving in the townships in Mangaung because all roads are blocked,” said Nketsi.
“Our buses didn’t go to the townships this morning because the roads are blocked. None of our buses have been attacked but we took the decision not to go there in order to protect our property as well as for the safety of our drivers and passengers.
“Our services are however running as usual in Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo. Buses from Central Park to the suburbs are also running.”