The new tolling system that is to be implemented in Gauteng over the next few months has been a topic of debate since the media caught on to it in 2010. The proposed toll feels range from 40 cents/km to R2/km. Among the issues of debate are why minibus taxis will be exempt from the tolling. SANRAL and government officials have commented on this, saying that the taxis will not pay toll fees, as it will result in higher process for their customers, and in a bid to promote public transport throughout the country, this would not be a favourable outcome.
However, there is no word on whether other forms of road transport would be exempt. For instance, companies offering shuttle services to and from hotels, airports and tourist destinations will surely have to pay the toll fees. Also, it seems that these private companies make substantial use of highways and the stipulated tolling areas, which will make them prime users of the tolling system. This means that the cost of their services will need to increase, and customers may be lost.
This will likely be part of the Gauteng governments plan, as their public transport efforts have not been very successful yet, and their Gautrain service is somewhat expensive and offers little in the way of destination choice. Forcing private sector companies to increase their prices gives a better chance to public transport in the future.
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