Commuters stranded as taxi go-slow disrupts transport, operations at Cape Town International

On Friday morning, thousands of commuters in Cape Town found themselves stranded due to an unofficial taxi go-slow, which disrupted services across several parts of the city. In response, authorities deployed alternative transport measures and explored legal options. The Western Cape Mobility Department reported that taxi operations were either suspended or running at reduced capacity at several key transport hubs.

The hardest hit areas included Nyanga and Wynberg, where no taxi services were operating, while Mfuleni, Langa, and the Cape Town Station Deck experienced limited operations. Commuter frustrations were expressed on social media, with one user describing how the airport was also affected, preventing staff from arriving and causing the entire system to collapse.

The Western Cape Mobility Department spokesperson, Byron La Hoe, confirmed that the taxi industry had not provided any formal communication regarding the suspension or reduction of services. The department is currently considering legal action in response to the situation, which has arisen amid efforts to end taxi-related violence and protect commuters.

To assist affected commuters, authorities urged residents to utilize available bus and rail services, while implementing alternative support measures on the ground. The Mobility Information Taxi has also been deployed to help manage queues and provide information on alternative transport options. Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku emphasized that commuters should not suffer due to disputes within the taxi industry.

The department continues to closely monitor affected areas and has called on taxi industry leaders to restore normal services as soon as possible, prioritizing the safety of commuters.