- Uber has confirmed that the three-year vehicle age policy for drivers in South Africa applies only to new drivers signing up to the platform.
- This development is an attempt by the ride-hailing platform to debunk a report claiming that vehicles older than three years will be removed from the platform after the launch of new rules for previously unregistered ones.
- According to Cassie Jaganyi, Uber spokesperson, “Recent media coverage regarding a three-year vehicle age policy for drivers on Uber in South Africa has caused some confusion due to its inaccuracy. While some have understood the policy to mean that all drivers on the platform must drive cars younger than three years old, that is not the case. It applies only to new drivers signing up to the platform,”
She reiterated that once drivers are registered on the platform, they can use their registered vehicle for up to eight years, by Uber’s terms and conditions internationally. She also said drivers are not required to replace their cars on the Uber platform every three years.
The e-hailing company confirmed that the policy enhances rider and driver safety while maintaining high vehicle quality on the platform, ensuring a quality rider experience.
Meanwhile, the South African Ride Hailing Association (SARIDEHA) has rejected the requirement. According to Chairperson Ndabezinhle Khoza, the three-year requirement still poses challenges for operators, particularly in the luxury Uber Black and Uber Lux segment, which uses expensive models including Audi and Mercedes Benz.
“We are still rejecting this requirement because the prices of these cars are very high and the rates that Uber sets are very low. The comfort, safety and efficiency of 2014 and 2021 luxury cars are the same, especially if it is well maintained,” Khoza said.
Khoza stated that Uber hadn’t formally engaged with the various driver representation groups on its platform, capitalising on the fragmentation of associations within the industry.
Over time, ride-hailing drivers in South Africa have demanded government support in addressing their challenges, including high commissions charged by companies and safety issues such as carjacking, illegal vehicle impoundment, and taxi drivers singling out ride-hailing drivers.
