Proper regulation within the e-hailing industry will help decrease criminality and exploitation in the sector. This is according to Gauteng E-hailing Services GES, that held a media briefing in Johannesburg, about the ongoing challenges faced by operators and passengers.
GES also highlighted the need for unity in the public transport sector, accountability, and proper leadership.
There have been reports of passengers being raped or robbed by drivers and drivers being hijacked. These are just some of the concerns that have been raised in relation to the use of e-hailing platforms.
The Gauteng E-hailing Services organization says they are advocating formal structures to enhance safety, security, and legal compliance.
"We cannot, as an industry anymore, allow people to operate the industry and are not known. This actually opens the industry up to criminality and also to people that are actually affecting this industry. We need to control the supply and demand of the industry, by making sure that everybody is accountable within the transport sector, and address the informality and lawlessness in the industry. The continued lack of formalization and unregulated activities has severely undermined the sectors program that this hinders progress in this environment," says Thato Ramaila, Chairperson of Gauteng E-hailing Services.
