Cosatu says the taxi industry has suffered serious neglect from the government over the years despite it being a big contributor to the economy.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says taxi associations were right for calling on the government to subsidise its industry as it does for busses and trains after it was reported that some associations will increase taxi fares.

“Cosatu is alarmed by the decision taken by the various taxi associations to implement a 172% fare increases in the province of Gauteng following the failure by government to honour the commitment made to them over the lockdown relief fund,” it said in a statement.The federation said similar fare increases have been reported by workers in the Western Cape and other provinces.

“While we understand and sympathise with the taxi operators, the decision to increase taxi fares will hurt people who have no dog in this hunt, workers,” it said.

Cosatu claimed the taxi industry had suffered serious neglect from the government over the years despite it being a big contributor to the economy.

“Government needs to help the taxi industry during this lockdown period because we expect them to comply with the protocols and regulations that protect passengers from Covid-19 infection.