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A Meeting between the Knysna Municipality and local taxi association yielded certain concessions being made to the taxi operators within the council's budget.
The taxi operators used their vehicles to block traffic during peak time two weeks ago over their dissatisfaction related to the new but unused taxi rank at Hornlee on the outskirts of town.
Knysna municipal manager said on Tuesday the municipality had met with local taxi associations on Friday May 31, to discuss the ongoing issues.
"The taxi associations raised issues including requests for an alternative taxi site, additional drop off points, increased law enforcement at taxi ranks, offices for the taxi associations at the main taxi rank, upgrade of speed bumps at White Location and better hygienic standards at the toilets at the main taxi rank.
The Hornlee taxi rank was not discussed," Waring said.
"The municipality agreed to some matters within in their mandate and budget, and has committed to look for alternative funding to address items outside the municipality's financial and resources capabilities.
During ongoing discussions with the taxi fraternity regarding the site behind Fruit & Veg, the municipality's legal department compiled a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which the municipality would provide facilities such as portable toilets. It also required certain undertakings of the taxi associations, like opening and closing the toilets every day.
Waring said the municipality would continue to engage with the taxi associations regarding their issues and demands, and remained committed to bringing the matter to a fair conclusion.
"Knysna serves a wide community of very different people with very different needs.
Matters like these are complicated and have to incorporate the needs of residents and businesses in and around the CBD as well as commuters and the taxi fraternity."
