ULENDO sues RTSA over decision to impound hailing cabs
ULENDO Taxi limited has sued the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) contest ing the decision to start impounding ride-hail ing vehicles operating using online platforms from June 30, 2022.
In its notice of application for leave to ap ply for judicial review filed in the Lusaka High Court, Ulendo contended that the decision is illegal and should be quashed.
It also seeks an order of prohibition, stopping RTSA from implementing or enforcing the decision.
Ulendo wants leave if granted to operate as a stay of the decision pending determination of the matter.
Company Chief Executive Officer Haggai Mandefu stated that during meetings held with RTSA, Ulendo’s business model was explained and comparisons were made to companies such as Uber.
He said that further that the fact that in cities or countries where Uber works, specific legisla tion or amendments have been effected to pro vide for ride-hailing platforms.
Mr Mandefu said it was agreed to work on ways to regulate the ride-hailing Industry and RTSA promised it was going to engage the ministry of Transport to come up with a stat utory instrument dedicated to regulating the ride-hailing industry.
He said the agency even advised the Ulendo to continue working with the current model as it awaits regulation via the proposed statutory instrument which RTSA promised was going to be done before end of March 2022.
He said in April, RTSA called for another meeting to discuss the ride-hailing industry in terms of regulation and all ride-hailing compa nies were invited.
“At the said meeting the need for regulation and insufficiencies in the current legislation were discussed. RTSA reiterated its promise to enact a Statutory Instrument and advised the companies to continue with business as usual in the meantime,” he said.
Mr Mandefu alleged that the said decision was Public Passengers Transport Drivers Asso ciation of Zambia, who are Ulendo’s competi tors in business and the two have been engaged in a dispute.