The Democratic Alliance is deeply concerned about the ongoing cost of the Moja Cruise taxi incentive program. Responses to Council questions posed by the DA revealed that the program costs between R800 000 and R1 000 000 per month. This is aside from the initial establishment cost, which shot up from R131 million to R202 million in 2017.
When the program was first mooted, it was sold as a program to improve the mini-bus taxi industry. The DA appreciated this as both necessary for consumers and eThekwini in general. The 2017 launch frequently mentioned the empowerment of consumers, who could rate good or bad service from taxi drivers and operators via the use of a mobile application.
Vehicles were fitted with tracking devices and branded with Moja Cruise’s orange and purple logos. 450 vehicles currently participate, with incentives being paid to owners, operators and drivers.
In a 2019 presentation to the DA caucus, eThekwini Transport Authority was forced to concede that much of the project had not been implemented as promised to date. Tracking system information was listed only as travel and trip information, and not detailed tracking information relating to overloading, speeding and harsh braking.
As of October 2020, the app was still not live. There is effectively no way for members or consumers of the public to lay complaints against taxis who may be providing poor service or breaking the law, despite the taxis participating in a public program funded by the municipality.
The municipality has also conceded that no single taxi has been removed from the program for non-compliance. It is highly unlikely that over four years, nobody has violated the rules to an extent that they should no longer be paid to participate.
Improving the mini-bus taxi industry, on which millions rely daily, is a key priority. It has become clear that the eThekwini Municipality prefer to cosy up to the industry rather than have an accountable and professional relationship with it.
In 2018, the municipality spent R2 million to take 54 taxi drivers and operators to South America. Their visas were bungled and nothing ever really happened, but nobody was held accountable.
Since 2017, Moja Cruise has failed on its core offer – creating a mini-bus taxi service that is safer and more responsive to the needs of commuters. Millions have been paid out with little to show for it.
It’s time for eThekwini Municipality to explain exactly why they have failed and why this program continues at such great cost.