To Uber in SA or Not to Uber? 10 Points to Think About

The fast-growing company Uber has been in the news quite a lot lately, as it further entrenches itself as a taxi and transport alternative in several South African cities. So what’s the deal?

1. The process is fairly simple. You join Uber as a customer via your phone on the Uber app, and it costs nothing to join.
2. You can also become a driver via the app.
3. Once you tap in your location and destination, you can get a fare estimate, plus the details of your driver and your estimated time of arrival at your destination.
4. No cash is needed because your details are in the Uber system, as are the driver’s.
5. The driver is often an entrepreneurial person trying to make some money on the side.
6. The service started in Johannesburg and Cape Town in late 2013, and now also operates in Port Elizabeth and Durban.
7. It’s a great way to get home when you’ve had one too many, especially in a country like South Africa where there are too many drunk drivers of the road. Said one Capetonian who promotes the service: “In 2016, there is no excuse to drive when you’re pissed. Use Uber. If you have a child who’s just left school, do not put blind faith in his or her moral compass or judgement and assume that they won’t drive pissed.”
8. The Uber service infringes on the business of established taxi drivers, and in cities like Rome and Rio, amongst others, taxi drivers have come into open conflict with Uber drivers.
9. The South African government said recently that Uber cars would have to comply with the country’s metered-taxi regulations (similar laws apparently exist in Canada and are being considered elsewhere).
10. Uber is a media-savvy company that has already had several promotions in South Africa, such as teaming up with the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Cricket South Africa, giving first-time users one free ride.