A taxi sector still caught in the grip of intermittent conflicts must be cause for concern to all keen to witness progress towards jacking up the country's public transport system.

A taxi sector still caught in the grip of intermittent conflicts must be cause for concern to all keen to witness progress towards jacking up the country's public transport system.

A well-oiled public transport system is especially imperative in the light of ongoing preparations taking place throughout the country ahead of its hosting the 2010 World Cup.

But, lamentably, disputes over routes still persist, despite assurances from officialdom a decade ago that these would be a thing of the past.

The tough action taken last week against some taxi associations by the Gauteng transport authorities seems to offer hope.

To enforce compliance with the law, the department impounded more than 80 taxies found to be infringing regulations on routes.

Though it's early days, this action seemed to have helped now that a week has passed without incident on the contested routes.

This might drive home the need for national transport authorities to enforce the rule of law without compromise.

We hope other provincial departments follow suit.