Uber expands its South African service to smaller cities and towns

Cape Town - Uber has announced it is expanding into over 21 smaller cities and towns across South Africa, a move that will see the taxi service available in all nine provinces and in over 40 cities across the country.

Passengers will be able to request a ride in Polokwane, Cape West Coast (Vredenburg, Saldanha, Langebaan), Mbombela (previously Nelspruit), Newcastle, Mthatha, Thohoyandou, Upington, Margate, Richards Bay, Welkom, Phuthaditjhaba, Ermelo, Queenstown, Garden Route (Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay), Kimberley, Emalahleni, Middelburg, Worcester, Rustenburg, Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp.

Passengers in these cities will have the option to request Uber’s best-priced mobility option, Uber Go, with trips starting at R16 or the original UberX category, with trips starting from R18.

General manager for Uber in sub-Saharan Africa Frans Hiemstra said: “Uber is committed to keeping riders moving and drivers earning and despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic in the last year, we are seeing signs of recovery as more consumers are riding with us again.

“We’re bullish that we can deliver strong growth as we continue to unlock opportunities through the Uber platform and our entry into these new cities is testament to our investment in South Africa.”

Hiemstra said Uber had introduced safety such as the Safety Toolkit, a feature that includes access to an in-app emergency button that connects the driver or passenger to third-party security or medical assistance.

“Any progressive, forward-thinking city that needs safe, reliable and efficient transportation, we want to be there. We are excited to launch in these cities, and look forward to expanding into more cities in the coming months."

Cape Times