Western Cape poised to be first province to implement new e-hailing regulations, meter-taxi licence holders have window period to convert.
The Western Cape Department of Mobility has confirmed its readiness to implement new e-hailing regulations, which constitute the second amendment to the National Land Transport Regulations, following a comprehensive briefing to the Standing Committee on Mobility.
Without a registered app no operator will be able to convert to e-hailing operating licenses or apply for a new e-hailing operating license
This comes after the National Department of Transport issued an urgent call for e-hailing operators to register their vehicles and platforms as the 180-day deadline approaches, with the Western Cape positioning itself as the front runner in implementing the new regulatory framework.
The Department of Transport has urged all e-hailing operators to convert their charter permits and meter-taxi operating licenses to e-hailing operating licenses as concerns mount over the slow pace of platform registration with the National Public Transport Regulator.
“Without a registered app no operator will be able to convert to e-hailing operating license or apply for a new e-hailing operating license,” it pointed out in a statement on Thursday. “This means after 180 days [from 12 September 2025] those who have not converted will automatically become illegal operators.”
ALSO READ: Uber launches women-only driver programme to boost safety and earning opportunities
The misalignment between traditional taxi regulations and modern e-hailing operations has created several critical issues
The urgency stems from requirements under the National Land Transport Amendment Act, 2009 (Act No. 5 of 2009), which mandates that e-hailing platform providers register their digital applications with the department through the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR).
E-hailing platforms have become essential for providing flexible, door-to-door transport services and facilitating access to various services across the Western Cape. These platforms now support the livelihoods of thousands of people throughout the province.
During the committee briefing the department highlighted significant discrepancies in the current regulatory approach governing e-hailing services under the same framework as traditional metered taxis, despite fundamental differences in their technology, operating models and safety profiles.
The misalignment between traditional taxi regulations and modern e-hailing operations has created several critical issues, among them:
- The absence of uniform safety standards across platforms, which poses ongoing risks for both passengers and drivers using these services.
- The rise in unlicensed operators, which continues to destabilise the industry and undermine legitimate service providers.
- Inconsistent enforcement across municipalities, which has created an uneven regulatory landscape that affects fair competition and service quality.
Municipal responsibilities under new framework
As transport planning falls under municipal jurisdiction local authorities will be required to develop comprehensive Integrated Transport Plans, manage operation-license procedures and establish robust reporting mechanisms for both legal and illegal operators.
E-hailing has become indispensable to how people move, work and live in the Western Cape
The Department of Mobility has committed to assisting where it can, particularly in the implementation of the new regulations by providing guidance, technical support and improved administrative processes.
The successful implementation of these regulations requires coordinated efforts between all spheres of government – local, provincial, and national – to ensure efficient licensing procedures, consistent enforcement and the establishment of minimum safety standards across the industry.
“E-hailing has become indispensable to how people move, work and live in the Western Cape,” said Prof Nomafrench Mbombo, MPP. “That is why we must ensure a regulatory environment that protects drivers, safeguards commuters and maintains fairness across the transport sector.
“The Western Cape Government has shown it is ready, and now municipalities and national counterparts must match that readiness so regulation can be implemented swiftly, safely and consistently.”
The Western Cape’s proactive approach to modernising transport regulation demonstrates the province’s commitment to ensuring fairness, safety and effective collaboration in establishing a well-regulated e-hailing industry.
