Millions of South Africans rely on Uber and Bolt every day, whether it’s getting to work, heading to the airport, or finding a safe way home after a night out. Now, new regulations introduced by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy are set to bring major changes to the country’s e-hailing industry, with a strong focus on improving safety for both passengers and drivers.
The new rules form part of the National Land Transport Amendment Act and are aimed at creating a more regulated and secure environment for e-hailing services operating across South Africa. Companies such as Uber and Bolt will need to comply with stricter requirements, while drivers will face additional obligations before they can legally operate on the platforms.
One of the most talked-about changes is the introduction of panic buttons in e-hailing vehicles. Creecy has urged operators such as Uber and Bolt to install physical panic buttons that can be accessed during emergencies. While both platforms already offer in-app safety features, the government believes dedicated panic buttons could provide a faster response in situations involving hijackings, robberies, assaults, or other security threats.
The move follows growing concerns about safety within the e-hailing industry. In recent years, both passengers and drivers have reported incidents ranging from theft and harassment to violent crime. The Department of Transport believes stronger safety measures are necessary as the industry continues to grow and transport millions of people each year.
Another significant change involves stricter background checks and compliance requirements. Drivers will need to meet licensing and permit requirements before they are allowed to transport passengers. Provincial Regulatory Entities (PREs) will play a larger role in verifying driver documentation and issuing operating licences.
For many drivers, this could mean additional administrative steps before they can start earning an income through e-hailing platforms. However, government officials argue that stronger verification processes will help remove illegal operators from the system and improve passenger confidence in the service.
The regulations also seek to formally integrate e-hailing services into South Africa’s broader public transport framework. For years, the industry has operated in a legal grey area, with ongoing disputes between traditional metered taxi operators and e-hailing drivers. The new rules are intended to provide greater clarity for all parties while creating a level playing field across the transport sector.
Uber and Bolt have generally welcomed efforts to improve safety but have previously emphasised the importance of practical implementation. Industry stakeholders have also raised concerns about the potential costs associated with installing panic button systems and complying with new regulatory requirements.
For everyday South Africans, the changes could ultimately mean safer rides and greater accountability. Knowing that drivers have undergone stricter verification processes and that emergency assistance may be more easily accessible could provide reassurance to passengers who use e-hailing services regularly.
While the rollout of the new regulations may present challenges for operators and drivers, the government’s objective is clear: to create a safer, more transparent, and better-regulated e-hailing industry. As Uber and Bolt continue to play an increasingly important role in South Africa’s transport network, these new rules could shape the future of how millions of people travel every day.
