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YOU HEARD IT FROM US! CAPE TOWN NEEDS UBER

01 July 2015 / South Africa

Recent impoundments in Cape Town stand in the way of job creation and prevent our driver partners from offering safe and reliable rides to Capetonians.
Since the launch of Uber in Cape Town nearly two years ago, Capetonians and tourists have experienced a new efficient, convenient and modern transportation option. This means a safe and reliable ride in less than 5 minutes for tens of thousands of Capetonians. For thousands of driver partners, the Uber platform has provided an opportunity to earn a better living to provide for their families.
Uber has created over 2,000 jobs across South Africa with a goal to create an additional 15,000 in the next two years, and we are well on our way to achieving this.
Uber is a new type of service, using technology as a mechanism to build a more efficient transport option. For well over a year we have been engaging with the Western Cape Government and City of Cape Town to determine a clear route, for our driver partners, to obtain vehicle operating permits. As part of the application process, partners were required to complete a complex business case, before the City would support their application.
The City of Cape Town has supported a number of partners applications for permits, and a strong case has been made to the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) who are responsible for issuing these operating permits.
Despite over a year of progressive discussions with regulators, there is still no clear route to obtaining vehicle operating permits for Uber driver partners.
A process that should take no longer than a few weeks has been dragging on for over 6 months and still no operating permits have been issued to Uber driver partners. Yet, it appears that operating licenses have been issued to large metered taxi fleet operators, favouring these incumbent operators.
As there is still no clear route to obtaining vehicle operating permits for Uber driver partners, we have made the decision to continue to focus our efforts on ensuring riders have access to a safe and reliable transport option, and drivers have access to increased economic opportunity. Uber goes above and beyond the standard requirements when screening driver partners who are interested in operating on the Uber platform.
Uber is a safe way to get around
You see the driver’s name, photo and car license plate number the moment you request a ride
You can share your route and estimated time of arrival with friends, who can also follow your ride on a live map
Every Uber ride has insurance coverage
Uber goes above and beyond the requirements of traditional operators
Every driver we partner with has a Professional Driver’s Permit (PrDP)
In addition to this PrDP, Uber requires all drivers to go through third party criminal background checks
Drivers are required to have commercial and passenger liability insurance before they are allowed to drive on the platform
Does an operating permit mean that passengers are safer?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! The only safety requirement for drivers of public transport vehicles are PrDPs – significantly less stringent than Uber’s safety procedures
This vehicle operating permit is simply a regulatory requirement and has no bearing on the ensuring a reliable, safe transportation service
Ironically, several Uber driver partners with valid operating permits have also had their vehicles impounded, showing inconsistency in the City’s enforcement policy
It’s clear that Uber is having a positive impact on Cape Town by creating more economic opportunity for drivers, providing more choice for consumers, reducing congestion and drinking and driving.
Importantly, Uber brings huge benefits to the small business operator looking to enter the market, empowering them through technology to grow a small business in a way that they couldn’t before.
We are committed to continuing the conversation on finding a sustainable way of allowing riders and drivers to continue to benefit from our innovative platform, whilst respecting the regulators and their legal framework.
Should you have additional questions, please email supportcapetown@Uber.com
(*) Driver Partner: Business Case
 