Reasons behind hitch-hiking by commuters in the Eastern Cape will come under spotlight during a one day Public Transport Indaba in East London to be addressed by the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Honourable Ghishma Barry.
The indaba follows a battery of complaints from the taxi industry, commuters and motorists alike on the issues around hitch-hiking in the province. The Industry has complained that the motorists and commuters are taking away business from the industry and as a result their livelihood was affected, on the other hand, commuters and motorists are complaining that taxi operators are abusing them when they discourage them from hitch-hiking.
Following this, the department commissioned a research study which investigated reasons behind hitch-hiking in the Eastern Cape. The Study will be presented to the indaba by the department. Key stakeholders from commuter organisations, taxi industry, motorists, political parties, civil society and other interests groups will gather to seek solutions to challenges brought by hitch-hiking in the province.
Issues pertaining to hitch-hiking include criminal elements such as high jacking of motorists by criminals, sexual abuse and robbery of motorists and commuters by criminals pretending to be offering or requesting hike.
The department is committed to creating a platform of engagement amongst all interested parties, members of the media are invited to attend the indaba, and details are as follows:
Date: 29 October 2009
Venue: Orient Theatre, East London
Time: 09h30
Issued by: Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
27 October 2009
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za/)
