Transport Ministry targets passenger safety with new E-hailing laws
Katlego Sekhu
In September this year, the Department of Transport called for stronger safety controls for e-hailing services in South Africa.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is looking to introduce new legal requirements, which are expected to be gazetted within the next two months.
The proposals are largely informed by discussions around the National Land Transport Amendment Act. Under the new rules, e-hailing drivers would be required to obtain a licence specifying the geographic areas in which they operate – a system already in place for metered taxi operators.
In addition, drivers would need to install a panic button in their vehicles for passengers in case of an emergency. They would also be required to hold a Professional Driving Permit (PDP) and pass a criminal background check.
These measures come amid growing concerns about the safety of female passengers using services like Uber. The proposed changes aim to protect both drivers and passengers, while also introducing greater transparency and regulation to South Africa’s expanding e-hailing industry.
Kaya Biz’s Gugulethu Mfuphi touched on this subject Business Update on Siz The World.
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