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Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
E-hailing drivers demand action over frozen licence approvals while impoundment fees soar
E-hailing drivers in Cape Town are considering legal action after the City froze licence approvals, leaving them vulnerable to having their vehicles impounded. E-hailing drivers are up in arms over the City of Cape Town freezing the approval of additional licences since the end of March, when the City claimed it had met its 'full allowed quota' of 3,354 licences. It had received more than 14,000 applications. The City and Western Cape Mobility Department, community and industry groups have been meeting to determine the next steps, with drivers complaining that they have to pay exorbitant impoundment fees for operating without licences. Looking forward, Councillor Rob Quintas, a member of the City's Mayoral Committee for Urban Mobility, told Daily Maverick: 'The revised supply and demand for metered taxi services, which includes e-hailing, has been determined. 'The City will be presenting the revised metered taxi supply and demand numbers at a Special Metered Taxi Intermodal Planning Sub-Committee meeting on 17 June 2025, and will make this information available to the public.' Western Cape Mobility Department spokesperson Muneera Allie said: 'Once approval is given (to the Permit Regulatory Entity by the City for additional applicants), and a quota is determined… applications will be handled on a first-come-first-served basis.' E-hailing drivers are required to have an operating licence or risk their cars being impounded by the City, due to an amendment to the National Land Transport Act signed in June 2024. If there is a continued shortage of operating licences, the Western Cape E-Hailing Association (WCEA) is considering taking the Western Cape Permit Regulatory Entity and City of Cape Town to court to call for a pause on impoundments until the permitting system is reformed. A court ruled in favor of e-hailing drivers in a similar case in Pretoria. There, drivers proved it was 'impossible' to obtain a permit due to City backlogs. The association also calls on the regulatory entity to stop taking applications and application fees before new permits open up. Quintas clarified: 'Legally, the regulatory entity cannot refuse to accept applications even if the upper limit of the City's supply and demand numbers have been saturated already. Therefore, the operators apply at their own risk.' The 'trauma' of impoundment Drivers in Cape Town have been feeling the impact of impoundments as the City stalls in approving new operating licences. The impoundment fees are high. One driver, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being blocked from driving, said: 'The fees were R7,500, R2,500, and R1,000 — totalling R11,000 in one go. The car is financed, and once it was impounded, I couldn't make the instalment, couldn't pay for the business insurance, and couldn't raise money to get the car released. It's a trauma I can never forget.' According to the City of Cape Town's website: 'The impoundment fee is for the initial storage, hooking, salvaging and administration costs for the vehicle's impoundment… The fee increases for first, second and third offences.' In addition, drivers must pay for any outstanding fines before receiving their vehicle. Immediately, drivers feel the impact of impoundment. A driver said: 'I was impounded at 8.45am, 15km away from home, with no money on me. I had to walk home through unsafe areas. The police don't care how you get back — they just take your car… Where is the dignity?' In the long term, these fees can be devastating. According to the Deputy Secretary-General of the Western Cape E-hailing Association, Yusuf Dahir, a driver who works for 12 hours a day (the maximum allowed for Uber) earns approximately R1,000/day or R7,000/week. An estimated 80 to 90% of drivers do not own their vehicles. In general, R2,000-R3,000 of their weekly income goes to rent or weekly commission for the vehicle and R2,000 goes to petrol, leaving drivers with about R2,000 to take home at the end of the week. With this reality, the R10,000 impoundment fee is enormous. Drivers recognise that operating without licences is unlawful. Another driver said, 'All we ask is for the City of Cape Town to allow us to apply for e-hailing permits — and approve them. We want to feed our families through honest work.' But drivers are frustrated at the inability to acquire the necessary legal permits, and increasingly feel that the City is using them as a cash cow to collect impoundment fees. At the same time, Uber, Bolt, and other e-hailing services continue to allow new drivers to join the platforms, further allowing the cycle to continue. 'Equitable balance' According to the Mobility Department's Allie, the number of permits allotted in the quota is determined to 'ensure an equitable balance between the demand and supply of metered taxi and e-hailing services'. While applications may be accepted, the regulatory entity has informed applicants that operating licences may only be issued once approval for additional applications is received. According to Maxine Bezuidenhout, the spokesperson for the City of Cape Town's Traffic Services, 42 e-hailing vehicles were impounded in April 2025, and 45 had been impounded by 30 May. Drivers can request reimbursement for the impoundment fees from Uber, but still have to pay the fee up front. Dahir says it often takes days, if not weeks, for Uber to pay out. 'It is likely they will not reimburse.' Dahir also shared concerns about how Uber gathers funds for the impoundment fees. Dahir claimed the money did not come out of pocket for Uber. Instead, according to the drivers, Uber deducted additional fees — beyond its commission — from the driver before their cars were impounded, and used that money to reimburse them for the impoundment fees. For example, according to the drivers, there were additional, 'ever-increasing' fees for accepting rides to, and pick-ups from, airports and unexplained additional deductions at the end of trips. In short, they claimed that Uber was not really paying for the impoundment fees, but rather taking it from the driver in advance through these fees. Uber 'aware of challenges' When asked directly about how the reimbursement process worked, an Uber South Africa spokesperson said in a statement: 'Uber would like to refute the claims made by the drivers. We unequivocally maintain that these claims are unfounded.' In addition, the spokesperson said: 'Uber is aware of the challenges drivers are facing in Cape Town and remains committed to supporting them while engaging relevant stakeholders. Our goal is to ensure a sustainable and inclusive approach to mobility that supports both economic opportunity and safe, reliable transport options in Cape Town.' In response to an inquiry from Daily Maverick that Uber seems to be supporting drivers operating without licences by offering to pay their impoundment fees, Quintas responded: 'Paying someone else's fine or impoundment fee is not necessarily the illegal act.' Further, Quintas appeared to defend Uber and Bolt's practice of onboarding and recruiting new drivers without the possibility of permits being granted. He said: 'E-hailing platform providers have over the years marketed their services to operators and drivers without making an operating licence a compulsory requirement to operate on their platforms. Thus, they onboard operators/drivers and allow them to operate without having a valid operating licence… It seems to be a universal practice by all e-hailing platforms to onboard operators without operating licences.'
IOL News
31-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town's Universal Access Policy approved to enhance transport for all citizens
As Cape Town embraces this transformative policy, residents can look forward to a transport system that prioritizes accessibility, safety, and community well-being. Image: Supplied Cape Town has unveiled its Universal Access Policy, a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionise transport accessibility for all residents The Urban Mobility Directorate is heralding this initiative as a pivotal move in breaking down barriers and fostering a transport system that caters to the needs of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. This progressive policy aims to tackle the myriad accessibility challenges faced by various groups — including minors, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals living with disabilities, and passengers managing bags or luggage. Emphasising safety and security for all users, the Universal Access Policy is poised to transform the transport landscape in the city. Councillor Rob Quintas, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, articulated the commitment to keep Cape Town moving, stating, 'Improving accessibility to Cape Town's transport system for the most vulnerable in our communities is key to this commitment. Public transport connects people to social and economic opportunities and needs to be accessible to all residents.' He underscored the importance of creating an infrastructure that enables independent travel for passengers who rely on universal access, thanking residents and stakeholders for their contributions during the public participation process held in November 2024. This collaborative effort highlights the community's role in shaping policies that affect their lives directly. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The implications of the Universal Access Policy extend beyond mere compliance; it will serve as a guiding framework for City teams responsible for the various components of the travel chain. The institutions involved will embark on upgrades to transport infrastructure and public transport facilities, ensuring that these enhancements are executed consistently across the City. Over time, the policy aims to empower persons with disabilities, facilitating easier navigation throughout the city and significantly improving their travel experiences. By aligning upgrades with the standards set by this new policy, Cape Town is making substantial strides towards a more equitable future, where every resident can access transport systems without hindrance. IOL
IOL News
31-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town's Universal Access Policy approved to enhance transport for all citizens
As Cape Town embraces this transformative policy, residents can look forward to a transport system that prioritizes accessibility, safety, and community well-being. Image: Supplied Cape Town has unveiled its Universal Access Policy, a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionise transport accessibility for all residents The Urban Mobility Directorate is heralding this initiative as a pivotal move in breaking down barriers and fostering a transport system that caters to the needs of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. This progressive policy aims to tackle the myriad accessibility challenges faced by various groups — including minors, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals living with disabilities, and passengers managing bags or luggage. Emphasising safety and security for all users, the Universal Access Policy is poised to transform the transport landscape in the city. Councillor Rob Quintas, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, articulated the commitment to keep Cape Town moving, stating, 'Improving accessibility to Cape Town's transport system for the most vulnerable in our communities is key to this commitment. Public transport connects people to social and economic opportunities and needs to be accessible to all residents.' He underscored the importance of creating an infrastructure that enables independent travel for passengers who rely on universal access, thanking residents and stakeholders for their contributions during the public participation process held in November 2024. This collaborative effort highlights the community's role in shaping policies that affect their lives directly. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The implications of the Universal Access Policy extend beyond mere compliance; it will serve as a guiding framework for City teams responsible for the various components of the travel chain. The institutions involved will embark on upgrades to transport infrastructure and public transport facilities, ensuring that these enhancements are executed consistently across the City. Over time, the policy aims to empower persons with disabilities, facilitating easier navigation throughout the city and significantly improving their travel experiences. By aligning upgrades with the standards set by this new policy, Cape Town is making substantial strides towards a more equitable future, where every resident can access transport systems without hindrance. IOL
The South African
08-05-2025
- The South African
Cape Town's most Instagram-worthy road has finally reopened
One of Cape Town's most scenic and photo-friendly routes has officially reopened to the public, just in time for winter. Tafelberg Road winds along the foot of Table Mountain, leading to the iconic aerial cableway as well as to the starting points of several popular hiking trails. It has long been a favourite for tourists, photographers and Instagrammers seeking jaw-dropping and unparalleled views of the city. Now, thanks to extensive upgrades by the City of Cape Town, the route is not only more picturesque but also safer and more accessible. Cape Town City officials, including Mayco Member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas and local Ward 77 Councillor Francine Higham, visited the upgraded road this week and announced the completion of the project. 'This project took approximately 18 months and we are very happy to see the work completed before the rainy season,' said Quintas. 'The end result is impressive and I want to thank road users, visitors and residents for their patience and support while we were doing the work.' Restoration and upgrade of the road Rehabilitation of parking facilities Rehabilitation of stormwater infrastructure Building a sidewalk along the 1.3 km section of road to improve pedestrian safety Restoration of embankment retaining structures to protect the infrastructure against mudslides and severe weather events In addition to resurfacing, Tafelberg Road received several upgrades, including wider verges, extended boardwalks, and formalised paved parking areas and sidewalks. The road also has an improved stormwater system designed to manage rainwater and prevent flooding. 'I encourage our Cape Town residents and visitors to do this walk and appreciate the amazing work that has been done here,' added Higham. 'It is a significant upgrade and it provides safer access for pedestrians all the way from Kloof Nek Road right up to the cableway.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
05-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town's ambitious rollout of the largest public transport infrastructure project
A new MyCiTi bus stop has been proposed along the Parklands and Camps Bay routes. Image: File Parklands and Camps Bay residents have been invited by the City of Cape Town to comment on new proposed MyCiTi stops, which fall in line with a bid to tackle Cape Town's traffic congestion. A new MyCiTi bus stop has been proposed along the Parklands and Camps Bay routes. The city said that this follows an assessment of various public requests to make it easier to access the bus along existing MyCiTi routes. The proposed stop in Parklands would be on Tryall West (northbound and southbound), where the closest intersection is West Coast Road and Tryall Road. Meanwhile, in Camps Bay, the proposed stop would be on Argyle (eastbound and westbound), with the closest intersection being on Argyle Street and Lincoln Road. The city is making a big push into using the MyCiTi to tackle the traffic congestion headache facing drivers in Cape Town. Mayco Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, said the city is currently undertaking the rollout of the largest public transport infrastructure project in the country. 'We have set aside R5.4 billion for the rollout of the MyCiTi bus service in the medium-term to connect Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha with Wynberg and Claremont; as well as R88 million for the refurbishment and replacement of the current MyCiTi fleet; R397 million for upgrading public transport interchanges in Bellville, Happy Valley, Macassar, Makhaza, Retreat, and Westlake; and R153 million for formalising MyCiTi bus stops on existing routes and rebuilding damaged stations,' he said. 'The implementation of the second phase of the MyCiTi bus service to connect communities from the metro-south east with Wynberg and Claremont is the biggest life-changing investment in public transport since the implementation of passenger rail many decades ago. 'It is a mammoth project and we are tackling it incrementally,' Quintas said. Here is a look at the route stops in Parklands. Image: MyCiTi / Screenshot He explained that Phase 2A arises from the city's Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) plan, which envisages a continued phased implementation approach of MyCiTi services across the entire city. 'This is part of a commitment to redressing spatial inequality and implementing quality integrated public transport for the benefit of all residents and the local economy,' Quintas said. He shared that for more information on the new routes and stops, as well as the upgrades to the public transport interchanges, road and station infrastructure, residents should visit: Here is a look at the proposed stop in Camps Bay. Image: MyCiTi/Screenshot As for the aforementioned stops in Parklands and Camps Bay, the public is invited to submit their written comments/objections with motivation from April 10 to May 13, 2025, via the following channels: Email [email protected] and quote reference number MC0012/25 (Parklands) or MC0011/25 (Camps Bay) Submit your comment or objection via and quote reference number MC0012/25 for Parklands and MC0011/25 for Camps Bay The city added that objections would be considered before a final decision is reached. The city's Public Participation Unit will assist those who cannot read or write, live with disabilities, or are from disadvantaged groups and are unable to submit written comments. [email protected]
