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Bolt e-hailing vehicle
The new regulations that requires e-hailing services to among others, brand their vehicles and have panic buttons will ensure visibility and safety.
These are the sentiments of Transport Analyst from North West University Dr Olebogeng Baikgaki.
The regulations, which came into effect in March, are contained in the National Land Transport Amendment Act.
However, some e-hailing operators’ associations have raised concern about the new regulations which also requires e-hailing services to register with the National Public Transport Regulator.
Baikgaki says the new regulations will help professionalise the sector.
“It’s very important that people don’t just buy vehicles and start operating without being permitted to do so by the government. Key to these regulations is that the vehicles should be branded, should have panic buttons which will ensure or enhance safety and security of the operators. And again the drivers must have professional drivers’ permits, to ensure that their fingerprints are sent for verification for criminal records. It’s the best move for the industry because they are having a serious conflict between the taxi industry and the e-hailing services. This will ensure that they are visible, they’re regulated, they’re allowed to operate and improve the safety and security within the e-hailing industry.”
