Ride hailing services are apps that connect passengers and local drivers using their personal vehicles. In most cases they are a comfortable method for door-to-door transport.
New ride-hailing player debuts in SA amid fierce competition
Uber
Uber is one of the largest e-ride apps in the world. The San Francisco-based company was founded in 2009 and is currently operational in over 600 cities in over 65 countries. Uber is currently present in major cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Durban, East London, Cape Town, Kimberely, etc.
Ever since Uber was launched in South Africa, it has incorporated several features that ensure the reliability and accountability of the service.
2. Bolt
Bolt formerly Taxify is one of the most popular taxi-hailing services in South Africa. Ever since the company made its entrance into South Africa, it has grown tremendously to cover 12 cities.
Bolts can be gotten from major cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kimberley, East London, Cape Town, Durban, Ermelo, Queenstown, Rustenburg, Welkom etc.
3. InDriver
InDriver is one of the most populous countries in South Africa and has recently been launched in South Africa. The e-hailing app has over 35 million users in more than 300 cities in 28 countries.
The most interesting thing about this e-hailing app is that you get to set your own fare instead of the app dictating for you. Once you have provided your desired destination, you enter an amount that you’re willing to pay. After doing this, nearby drivers can either match your requested amount or bid a higher amount.
Currently, their services are available in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Durban.
4. Taxi Live Africa
Taxi Live Africa is one of the newest entry into the South African e-hailing industry. The company was officially launched in June 2019. Taxi Live Africa has been designed to give metered taxi drivers as well as private and owner taxi drivers their own app to connect to people who need a ride.
Taxi Live Africa is currently operational in Durban and plans are underway to expand to other cities in the country. However, drivers in Johannesburg and Cape Town have started using the e-hailing App.
5. Yookoo Rider
Yookoo Rider is an e-hailing app launched by the South African Meter Taxi Association. The app is available for download on IOS and Google Play Store. The ride-hailing app claims to be 40% cheaper than Uber and Bolt. It also comes with various payments options which include paying from the in-app prepaid wallet, credit/debit card or cash. It also has a panic button as one of its safety features.
6. Africa Ride
South Africa-based Africa Ride is a small firm competing with Uber in one of its most popular markets. The local ride-hailing company was launched in 2017 and has gained popularity by accepting payments via mobile money services.
7. Hailer
Hailer is one of the new entry into the e-ride company. The company was launched in 2016 and is owned by Johannesburg-based Zimbabwean entrepreneur Malvin Nkomo. The company is currently operational in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Kimberley.
Hailer aims to compete with Uber and Bolt through a competitive pricing and commission structure, security, and safety features and by marketing Hailer as a local brand.
8. Tag Your Ride
Tag Your Ride is one of the indigenous e-ride company in South Africa. The app was launched by Rogerant Tshibangu, a university graduate and now academic development officer at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The app has standard pricing for the rides stipulated on their app to prevent overcharging people. Currently, it’s operational in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, and Harare.
9. uMashesha
uMashesha is one of the e-ride start-up companies in South Africa owned by Christine Mesolo. The Pretoria-based e-ride company was launched in 2018 and has completed over 1000 trips.
The company charges drivers a commission of 14.5% on earnings — about 0.5% shy of what Taxify charges. Uber’s commission is about 25%, while another local startup Hailer takes 10%. At present, the company employs 30 full-time operational staff, 44 interns and 963 drivers.
10 YoTaxi
YoTaxi is an e-hailing service that was designed to compete with the top players in the industry. The Durban-based company was incorporated by the metered-taxi association. YoTaxi drivers wear uniforms and drive in branded vehicles. Drivers pay a R10,000 fee for registration and equipment.
What is e-hailing services in South Africa?
Uber and Lyft are examples of Transportation Networking Companies (TNC’s) or commonly known in South Africa as e-hailing service providers Uber provides mobility as a service via the use of smart devices, connecting the supply of drivers seeking fares and the demand of commuters seeking lifts.
Is Bolt cheaper than Uber in South Africa?
Bolt was the second most affordable on average, at R234 per trip, followed by Uber, which cost R243 per trip. While Uber’s prices were similar to DiDi and Bolt in Gauteng and Cape Town, it was far more expensive in Gqeberha.
Is Uber an e-hailing service in South Africa ?
Uber and Bolt just happened to be the most used and popular among the e-hailing companies, but cannot be said to be the best when there are no yardstick for measurement.
What is the difference between Uber and taxi cabs in South Africa ?
The primary difference is that Uber drivers can begin operation immediately as long as their vehicle is inspected within 15 days. Taxis must still be inspected before they can pick up passengers, however both Uber and cab companies are inspected under the same guidelines