E-hailing drivers in the Western Cape took to the streets of Cape Town on Friday, November 12 to seek assistance from the government over high commission with their employers. The large group of drivers from Uber, Bolt, DiDi and InDriver gathered in front of parliament to hand over a memorandum to a representative from the Transport Department.
According to the memorandum that was handed over, the drivers claim that there has been a lack of consultation in important decisions taken by Uber, Bolt, DiDi, and Indriver managements that are directly affecting drivers financially, considering the current economic crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there is also the rise in fuel prices that has contributed to concerns.
“UBER drops the ride fare on Thursday, November 4 still taking 25% commission fee. BOLT commission gets as high as 30% with cheap ride fare, not adding drivers earnings immediately after completing a trip, blocking drivers accounts when the rider lodges grievance without hearing the driver’s side of the story, blocking the driver for rejecting the rides even after the driver has indicated they do not feel safe, and does not help drivers with impound fee.
“DIDI often offer longer pick up trips and shorter drop off resulting in drivers wasting a considerable amount of fuel while sending the driver same rejected trip repeatedly. InDriver allows riders to bid for ridiculously low fare for rides and plays to the driver’s desperate need to cover the cost of living,” the memorandum read.
Also read: Uber set to include several small towns around the Western Cape and SA
According to one E-hailing driver who asked to remain anonymous in speaking to Cape{town} Etc, they want Uber and Bolt to reduce their commission to 13% because the 25% commission fee that they currently take is too much as they do all the hard work.
“We provide the vehicle, petrol has already gone up three times this year. Uber even reduced the prices instead of increasing, they decrease the price to make uber more attractive to the clients on the expenses of the driver,” Mr X said.
Some of the demands include:
- R22 paid to the driver after 13% commission fee deductions on the shortest trip: 1, 2,3 kilometres long trips for Uber X, Bolt, DIDI Express, Indriver
- R32 Paid to the driver after 13% commission fee deduction for Uber XL Bolt XL, DiDi XL
- R10 per Kilometer paid to the driver excluding 13% commission fee after completing 4 Kilometer trips and beyond for Uber X, Bolt, DIDI, and Indriver
- R13 per kilometre paid to the driver excluding 13% after completing 4km trips and beyond on Uber XL, Bolt XL, Didi XL
- R1 per minute waiting penalty fee added to the driver’s earnings for sections 1 and 2 trips category
Mr X said further that in the event of theft or other crimes they want financial assistance from the E-hailing platforms because many drivers have fallen victim to serious crimes such as extortion and hijacking.
“We plead with the government to assist us in regulating this industry and for the e-hailing companies to assist us financially in case of theft,” Mr x indicated.
The memorandum also indicated that E-hailing drivers want the Public Protector to investigate why the city of Cape Town is the only city in the country that impounds their vehicles.
“We urge the National Minister of Transport to suspend the impound practice in the City of Cape Town and Accredit the E-hailing Platform with Necessary permits and also discuss our grievances the E-hailing platforms in Cape town,” the memorandum stated.
Meanwhile, UBER, BOLT, DIDI and InDriver have seven days from Friday to respond to their demands and failing to do so will result in drivers exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
Read more:
Picture:Unsplash
