Uber Changes Rules for Riders in South Africa, Starts Motorcycle Service
Uber has made new rules for how many people can ride in its cars in South Africa. The company says these changes will make trips better for everyone. At the same time, Uber has started a new motorcycle taxi service in some parts of Johannesburg.
New Rules for Number of Passengers
Uber has changed how many people can ride in each type of car. Here are the new rules:
- UberGo (the cheapest small cars): Now only 2 people can ride (before it was 3 or 4)
- UberX (normal size cars): Now only 3 people can ride (before it was 4)
- Uber Comfort (nicer, bigger cars): Now only 3 people can ride (some of these cars could fit 6 before)
- Uber Black (very nice cars for business): Now only 3 people can ride
For bigger groups, Uber says to use:
- UberXL (fits 6 people) – Only in Cape Town and Durban
- Uber Van (fits 7 people) – Only in Johannesburg
Uber says these are just guidelines. If you’re not sure, you should ask the driver before booking.
Why Did Uber Make These Changes?
Uber says the new rules will help with:
- More space and comfort for riders
- Better trips when people have luggage
- More safety for everyone
But some people are worried about these changes:
- It might cost more for big groups (they might need two cars instead of one)
- Some people might use other taxi apps like Bolt instead
New Motorcycle Taxi Service – Uber Moto
Uber has also started a new motorcycle taxi service in parts of Johannesburg. This service is called Uber Moto. Right now, it works in these areas:
- Johannesburg city center
- Braamfontein
- Melville
- Greenside
- Brixton
- Mayfair
- Fordsburg
- Rossmore
- Langlaagte
- Richmond
Important things to know about Uber Moto:
- Only 1 person can ride (no second person on the bike)
- It’s faster in heavy traffic
- You can’t use it to send packages (use Uber Courier for that)
A Uber manager named Cassie Jaganyi said:
“We’re testing this motorcycle service to help people move around easier, especially in areas with not many transport options. We also want to create more jobs. We’re talking to the government about maybe making it available in more places.”
What This Means for Riders
People who use Uber in South Africa will need to remember:
- If you have more than 3 people, you might need to book a bigger car or two cars
- The bigger cars (UberXL and Uber Van) are only available in certain cities
- Motorcycle taxis are now an option in some parts of Johannesburg, but only for one person
Problems That Might Happen
Some people might not like these changes because:
- Families or groups of friends might need to spend more money on rides
- Not all areas have the bigger cars available
- Some people might feel less safe on motorcycles than in cars
What Uber Says About the Future
Uber is talking to the government about maybe bringing the motorcycle service to more places. They want to see how it works in Johannesburg first.
For now, riders should check how many people can fit in a car before they book. This is especially important for trips to the airport or when carrying lots of luggage.
Final Advice for Uber Users
- Always check the car type and how many people it can take before booking
- If you have a big group, look for UberXL or Uber Van in cities where they’re available
- Remember motorcycle taxis are only for one person
- If you’re not sure, message the driver before they arrive to ask about space
These changes show that Uber is trying to make its service better in South Africa. But some people might need time to get used to the new rules. The company will probably watch how these changes affect riders and might make more changes in the future.
The new motorcycle service could be good for people who need to move quickly in busy traffic. But it remains to be seen how many people will use it and if it will really help with transportation problems in the city.
For now, all Uber users in South Africa should pay attention to these new rules when booking their next ride. The changes might mean you need to plan your trips differently, especially if you usually travel with many people or lots of bags.
