One problem South Africa's new e-hailing rules won't solve

[mylesillidge]

New Uber and Bolt laws won't solve one big problem in South Africa

Driving.co.za managing director Rob Handfield-Jones believes that new laws governing e-hailing in South Africa won't address a key problem with services like Bolt and Uber — safe driving practices.

After many years of consultations and revisions, the Department of Transport gazetted amendments to the National Land Transport Act for implementation on Friday, 12 September 2025.

 

[Quicks]

Same rules need to apply to Taxi Industry. They must also go 100% cashless.

 

[My_King]

I believe it also won't be able to solve death and taxes.

So 3 problems

 

[calypso]

Same rules need to apply to Taxi Industry. They must also go 100% cashless.

Incase you were unaware. Local / National laws dont apply to taxi's.

 

[oros]

It still doesn't address the way bolt, Uber and indrive treats drivers, especially the good ones trying to make ends meat, bolt increases commission and lowers rates for one.

 

[Quicks]

Incase you were unaware. Local / National laws dont apply to taxi's.

That's the problem they are the law.

 

[HAL 9000]

I have used a number of Uber drivers to ferry me to & from OR Tambo International Airport when I have had to collect or return a hire car in the last 3 months - and have noticed a few issues with their apparent lack of proper driving skills:

1. Driving at 40-60 km/h SLOWER than the posted speed limit of 120km/h in the centre or right lanes on the R24 (Albertina Sisulu Road)

2. Failure to use indicators when changing lanes or taking an off-ramp

3. Absolutely NO cooking clue of how to utilise a manual transmission & select the PROPER gear in order to keep the vehicle in its power / torque band - for example, chugging along at speeds around 50-60 km/h in 5th or 6th gear and wondering why the vehicle is so unresponsive to acceleration when having to overtake any other slower moving vehicles

4. Riding the clutch at a traffic light / stop street instead of putting the vehicle in neutral & using the foot / hand brake to keep the vehicle stationary

5. Tyres with very little tread left on them - could be an 'exciting ride' during a Gauteng summer afternoon thunderstorm

Has anyone else observed some other 'quirks & features' of their trips using any of the ride-hailing services as well? Leave your comments in a reply below...

 

[system32]

I have used a number of Uber drivers to ferry me to & from OR Tambo International Airport when I have had to collect or return a hire car in the last 3 months - and have noticed a few issues with their apparent lack of proper driving skills:

1. Driving at 40-60 km/h SLOWER than the posted speed limit of 120km/h in the centre or right lanes on the R24 (Albertina Sisulu Road)

2. Failure to use indicators when changing lanes or taking an off-ramp

3. Absolutely NO cooking clue of how to utilise a manual transmission & select the PROPER gear in order to keep the vehicle in its power / torque band - for example, chugging along at speeds around 50-60 km/h in 5th or 6th gear and wondering why the vehicle is so unresponsive to acceleration when having to overtake any other slower moving vehicles

4. Riding the clutch at a traffic light / stop street instead of putting the vehicle in neutral & using the foot / hand brake to keep the vehicle stationary

5. Tyres with very little tread left on them - could be an 'exciting ride' during a Gauteng summer afternoon thunderstorm

Has anyone else observed some other 'quirks & features' of their trips using any of the ride-hailing services as well? Leave your comments in a reply below...

Bolt driver held Cell-Phone in hand the whole ride so he could view map - scary