E-hailing operator inDrive has welcomed the recently amended National Land Transport Act bill signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The e-hailing sector believes that the legislation will bring clarity and address concerns they have had since coming into operation in South Africa.
The bill recognises e-hailing as a distinct platform, different from meter taxis, and protects both the consumer and driver as it enforces that e-hailing platforms use strict screening processes to ensure that no one engages in criminal activities while providing services.
Furthermore, it is a step in the right direction towards ending the threats, intimidation and hostility between those in the traditional transport sector and e-hailing drivers.
E-hailing app inDrive hosted a panel discussion with industry experts at The Venue in Sandton about the complex issue of safety for both riders and drivers using e-hailing services.
The consensus was clear, collaboration amongst drivers, passengers, law enforcement and the government is key to ensuring the well-being of both drivers and passengers, as well as maintaining order and harmony between the traditional taxi industry and e-hailing operators.
InDrive Business Development Specialist, Ashif Black, said the e-hailing industry has an annual growth rate of 5.26% however, safety concerns were a major hurdle on this growth path.
He emphasised that collaborative action such as strengthening government regulations and enforcement, encouraging people to report incidents, providing education on safety for drivers and passengers and using technology to enhance safety features within e-hailing apps, will be a crucial step to ensuring safety.
When the issue of the government as a key role-player was raised, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Transport, Chris Hlabisa, highlighted that the amended National Land Transport Act is set to address concerns that have been raised by e-hailing drivers in the last few years.
The Bill gives the transport minister authority to establish regulations and implement safety measures that must be followed within the e-hailing industry.
‘’Safety is of utmost importance, therefore it must be enhanced. Legislation means regulation,’’ said Hlabisa. He further mentioned that it will become easier to regulate the industry now that there are safety measures to comply with.
Brigadier Arikum Veeshani from the South African Police Service (SAPS), said SAPS has seen an increase in cases involving robberies, hijackings and assault, affecting both drivers and riders over the years. She reassured stakeholders that efforts to enhance safety were in progress.
CEO of Safer South Africa Foundation, Riah Phiyega, as well as University of Johannesburg’s student engagement representative, Tebatso Mamabolo, reiterated the importance of safety awareness and public education for e-hailing passengers.
“Safety in the e-hailing industry is of paramount importance since not only is it a convenient mode of transport but a source of employment and income for thousands of citizens, with knock-on effects for the economy at large. Together, let's make safety the driving force behind a successful e-hailing industry,” said Black.
To play its part, inDrive provides safety lessons through workshops for its drivers and has in-app safety features such as the one that enables users to have immediate access to help in a crisis, through a single button.
The feature allows the rider to add their desired emergency contact, call for medical assistance in an emergency and to message support to report an incident. There are also tips detailing how the rider can have a safe and comfortable trip.
IOL