Taxi drivers warn against private cars carrying more than one passenger

Members of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) have warned that private car owners are not allowed to carry more than one passenger, regardless of whether they are transporting children, relatives, friends, or work colleagues.

According to drivers, if they find people with more than one passenger in a private car, they may damage the vehicle, crash it in public, or in some cases even set it on fire. The warning has caused concern among motorists who rely on their own cars to move their families and children.

Drivers argue that children must use taxis to travel to school rather than being taken in private cars by their parents. They also say that families should rely on taxis for personal trips instead of using their own vehicles.

A driver who spoke under the banner of SANTACO explained that private car use takes away business from taxis. “If everyone drives their families and friends, then taxis lose money. That is why we are saying people must stop carrying more than one passenger in their cars,” he said.

Parents, however, have expressed fear and frustration over the warning. Many families say they depend on their private cars to get children safely to school. Some also noted that forcing people to use taxis puts them under extra financial strain.

Motorists have also raised safety concerns, saying that the threat of cars being damaged, crashed, or burned puts them and their families at risk. “How can I put my kids in danger by driving them to school if drivers say they will burn my car? This is very worrying,” one parent said.

The statements by taxi drivers highlight long-standing tensions between the taxi industry and private transport. Taxis are a major mode of transport for millions of South Africans, but the conflict with private motorists is not new.

Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the claims made by the taxi drivers. For now, private car owners remain concerned about how this warning may affect their daily travel and family safety.