Cape Town - Concerns regarding the safety of e-hailing passengers have been raised following accusations of individuals obtaining Uber accounts while sidestepping important regulations.
An Uber driver has revealed that potential drivers in parts of Cape Town are reportedly paying R2 500 to have their accounts created.
“Every day, new drivers are appearing, and they're getting their profiles from people in the townships. There are individuals advertising their services to create profiles for others,” he said.
The 41-year-old driver, who has been with Uber for five years, said this process is being organised through WhatsApp groups for drivers.
“All you need to do is pay the R2 500, and those guys will set up a profile for you. They're bypassing all the regulations, and I have no idea how they're accessing the system.”
The Weekend Argus has obtained screenshots of WhatsApp conversations where offers to create Uber profiles were made.
According to the driver, these individuals are often from townships like Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha and Delft.
He said many of these drivers are reportedly unaware of Uber's physical offices in Cape Town and are turning to questionable methods to start making money through the platform.
To become an Uber driver, one must pass a driving test and have one's fingerprints taken every six months.
However, the driver asserts that many of these “ghost drivers” are operating without a valid driving licence.
“This puts customers at risk because these individuals don't undergo fingerprint checks; it could be someone with a criminal background or involved in criminal activities,” he said.
He also highlighted that the vehicles being used often do not meet Uber's standards, as virtually any car is being utilised.
“You'll often see many older cars being used for Uber, and this goes unnoticed. Uber typically prefers nicer vehicles,” he added.
“We're also at a disadvantage now because everywhere you go, you find an Uber driver without a driver's licence; they're just on the road.”
Uber SA had yet to respond to the Weekend Argus by publication deadline about whether they are aware of improperly activated driver profiles.
The Western Cape E-Hailing Association (WCEA) is working against individuals who use the wrong tactics.
Omar Parker, general secretary of the WCEA, said such syndicates are not uncommon.
“People are coming on these platforms like it's nobody's business. Profiles are being rented out which is illegal. We are blocking people that are doing that on our platform. The app companies are being allowed, their entire business model is causing hatred among drivers,” he said.
Parker criticised the government for being passive and allowing these companies to operate without restrictions.
“Our sector is being criminalised, and our people need the service. The working class people need the service,” he said.
“This is what we are fighting as an association, and quite frankly if it means our own members must suffer from our right approach, so be it.”
Meanwhile, Bolt has recently launched its second Driver Engagement Centre (DEC) in Thornton, Cape Town.
This initiative is designed to offer essential face-to-face support to drivers, addressing their concerns and making sure they feel appreciated.
Bolt’s Senior Operations Manager, Simo Kalajdzic, said that they are dedicated to investing in their operations to provide better support for their driver-partners, helping them succeed while driving with Bolt.
“By providing this comprehensive training, Bolt aims to ensure that drivers feel confident and supported and have the tools to enhance their overall performance and success on the platform, ultimately improving the passenger experience,” he explained.
The new centre will also offer a range of training sessions designed to equip drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel while driving with Bolt.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus