Uber wants speedy issuing of licences

Fear of job losses if backlogs continue

Uber has called on the transport ministry to revise proposed amendments to the National Land Transport Act that it says will have a negative effect on drivers without operating permits.

The proposed amendments stipulate that e-hailing operators must deny access to their systems those drivers without the operating licence.

Uber said in cities where it operates, drivers were facing delays in getting permits from local authorities, or were simply not able to do so.

The amendments propose a fine of up to R100 000 to ridesharing and e-hailing companies who contravene the amendments. They also state that the drivers who operate without a licence should face a fine or a two-year jail term.

“The permit-issuing systems and processes of many of South Africa’s major municipalities are flawed and this has resulted in massive application backlogs and delays of up to 18 months in the issuing of operating licences‚” said Alon Lits‚ general manager for Uber in sub-Saharan Africa.

Uber has proposed that the implementation of the clause‚ and sanctions against drivers‚ be delayed until these challenges have been resolved.

Lits warned that if the backlogs and delays were not resolved before the amendments came into effect‚ there would be a loss of about 9 000 direct job opportunities and a consequent negative impact on 27 000 people whose livelihoods depended on the e-hailing industry.

The company said it had more than 12 000 active drivers across the country who were breadwinners for their families.