South Africa police in taxi clash

Taxi drivers fear the new bus system will push them off the roads

South African police have fired rubber bullets at taxi drivers protesting over the introduction of a new transport system ahead of next year's World Cup.

At least one person was injured and commuters were left stranded as thousands of striking cab drivers blockaded highways in Johannesburg.

They oppose government plans for a new bus system, including special bus lanes that they will not be allowed to use.

They are also angry at plans to take 500 minibus taxis off city routes.

There was a heavy police presence as up to 5,000 taxi drivers, some armed with sticks, descended on the city centre for Tuesday's protest march.

A bus driver was seriously wounded when he was shot with a real bullet in the Soweto area in the morning but it is not clear if the attack had any link to the demonstration.

Provincial police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo told AFP news agency: "We cannot say how many were injured apart from one person injured in the early hours of this morning when he was shot in Jabulani [Soweto].

"There could be more people who were shot when police were discharging rubber bullets."

The cab drivers are concerned that the bus rapid transit route will push them off the roads.

The government has said taxi drivers could be re-employed on the bus network.

Ralph Jones, spokesman for the United Taxi Association Forum, told the Mail and Guardian newspaper: "The routes are being dug for the buses. Taxi drivers on those routes were told they will be employed elsewhere."

Correspondents say the government proposals are part of efforts to regulate a large informal taxi industry, widely seen as unsafe.