SANTACO has announced that taxi commuters will not face any fare increases for now, despite the continued pressure of rising fuel costs.

The taxi council confirmed on Wednesday that it will first engage with government to discuss possible support or assistance for the industry, before considering any changes to fares.

SANTACO said the aim is to find ways of easing the financial pressure on taxi operators without placing an additional burden on commuters, many of whom are already feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living.

SANTACO National Spokesperson Rebecca Phala added that further decisions will depend on the outcome of its discussions with government.

“We want to reassure commuters that there is currently no fare increase being introduced. The NEC has resolved that we must first engage government and explore possible interventions before considering any further measures. We understand the pressure that any increase would place on operators and commuters, and we therefore believe it is important that all avenues are explored before such a decision is taken,” said SANTACO’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Semang Masemola.

SANTACO had been debating whether to increase prices this week, after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed fuel price hikes on Monday. 

At the time, Phala noted that the council is working to find “an ideal and sustainable solution” that considers the financial realities of taxi operators, employees in the industry, as well as commuters. 

Several meetings had taken place since then on the impact of rising fuel costs, with SANTACO’s National Executive Committee (NEC) deciding on Wednesday to keep fares unchanged, pending further deliberations.

“As part of the consultations, SANTACO will engage its industry members to assess the impact of the fuel-price increases, while also engaging fuel suppliers and business partners on possible cushioning measures that could be achieved through the industry’s collective buying power,” said Phala in a statement on Tuesday.

While SANTACO has urged commuters not to panic or anticipate immediate fare increases, it noted that further developments will be communicated, following its upcoming engagements.

The decision comes after Golden Arrow and MyCiTi have also confirmed that their fares will remain unchanged for now.

READ MORE: Golden Arrow and MyCiTi Hold Fares Steady Despite Fuel Price Surge – Smile 90.4FM

*This article has been updated and edited to include the latest on SANTACO’s taxi fare cost decision. Written by Loushe Jordaan-Girlbert and Caitlin Maledo.