Share

SA Uber drivers strike as fuel prices skyrocket

Some Uber drivers in South Africa have gone on strike as the cost of running cars increases with higher fuel prices.

Drivers at the US ride-hailing service gathered peacefully at a public park in central Johannesburg on Monday to discuss their grievances and aren’t available for trips, an Uber spokesperson confirmed by phone.

They’re unhappy about the 25% service fee charged by Uber per ride, especially after the government hiked fuel prices for the third time this year.

"We are aware of a small group of driver-partners who are planning on going offline or will not be using the app today," Alon Lits, head of sub-Saharan Africa operations, said in an emailed response to questions.

"The 25% service fee is designed in a way to ensure that the business is sustainable for both Uber and our driver-partners."

The arrival of Uber in South African cities from 2013 has sparked several, often violent, protests by drivers of traditional taxis, but those operating Uber vehicles have mainly gone about their business.

Defending the fare structure, Lits said that "in cities across the world lower fares mean greater demand, lower pickup times and more trips per hour."  

* Sign up to Fin24's top news in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TO FIN24 NEWSLETTER

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.89
+0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.44
+0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.1%
Platinum
908.75
+1.3%
Palladium
1,014.28
+1.3%
Gold
2,219.42
+1.1%
Silver
24.83
+0.8%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders