Johannesburg - Another attack on a Joburg Uber user and driver outside the Sandton Gautrain station has the train service vowing to up security.
On Monday, the manager of the guest house Hands On Retreat in Craighall, Sandton, was allegedly stopped from getting into an Uber taxi by Gautrain security guards.
Posting on the I Love Greenside Facebook group, her colleague Martina Laurie said: “Karin… was harassed by five Gautrain security guards this morning when she tried to get into a pre-booked Uber taxi at Sandton Gautrain station.
“The five assailants had blocked her way and restrained her from getting into the Uber taxi.
“They paraded the whole front and right-hand block down to the bottom section of the Michelangelo Hotel. They did not restrain her physically but she could not get past them to get into (the taxi).”
Further explaining the alleged assault, she said: “The Uber driver then panicked and drove off. She had to call another private taxi company as she refused to use the ones parked all around the Gautrain station.”
GAUTRAIN RESPONDS
Gautrain posted on their Facebook page: “Gautrain is aware of the alleged rivalry between metered and Uber taxi operators outside some of our stations. Gautrain security does not have any jurisdiction to police areas outside our stations and have requested the assistance of the JPMD and SAPS in this regard.
“Allegations Gautrain security had prevented commuters from utilising (Uber) taxi services are false and unfounded.
“The safety of our passengers remains a priority and we will continue to provide a safe environment for our passengers.”
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Alon Lits, Uber’s general manager in Joburg, said most of its drivers in the city were unperturbed by the recent occurrences.
“There have been isolated incidences. It’s not widespread.”
Laurie followed up her post saying:
“Power of social media. Head of Gautrain security phoned and confirmed (that the) five men (are) NOT Gautrain security… It is a Gautrain security issue as Karin was harassed on Gautrain property.
“Uber also made contact. Suggests we instruct Uber drivers to pick us up inside Gautrain undercover parking. More secure and private.”
The Star