Is E-Hailing Safer Than Taxis in Joburg? 2025 Update

Joburg’s Ride-or-Risk Moment

In Johannesburg, booking a ride isn’t as simple as tapping a screen anymore. In 2025, both e-hailing and traditional taxi services come with growing safety concerns, leaving locals to weigh which option feels less risky rather than more convenient.

Apps like Uber and Bolt once promised safer, more reliable rides. But from hijackings to profile fraud, that promise is wearing thin.

What’s Happening on the Ground?

Riders have reported being picked up by people who don’t match the driver profile. Shared or rented accounts are making it harder to verify who’s really behind the wheel. In some parts of Joburg, riders say they’re anxious before every trip, unsure whether the driver is legitimate or if they’ll reach their destination safely.

At the same time, e-hailing drivers are under serious pressure. Some report being extorted by taxi associations, especially in high-traffic areas like Soweto, Diepsloot, and Hillbrow, where they’re expected to “pay to operate” or risk having their cars vandalised.

Fatigue is also a risk factor. With shrinking fares and rising fuel costs, drivers often work dangerously long shifts. Some vehicles don’t meet basic safety standards either, with companies pushing back vehicle age limits.

And What About Traditional Taxis?

Taxis haven’t exactly gained public trust either. Riders still report aggressive drivers, inconsistent pricing, and safety issues, particularly at airports or near popular hotels where touts wait for unaware travellers.

Many locals avoid hailing taxis from the street and prefer calling a trusted operator or using a vetted dispatcher.

Safety by the Numbers?

According to recent reports from IOL and EWN, violent crimes involving e-hailing services have increased across major metros. One widely shared case from July 2025 involved a Bolt driver in KwaZulu-Natal who was found murdered, his body dumped, his vehicle stripped, and his phone stolen. It reignited national conversations around ride-hailing safety and regulation.

Hashtags like #JusticeForThami trended, with users urging others to double-check licence plates and driver names and to share ride details with friends.

What Uber and Bolt Are Doing About It

Both platforms have responded to the criticism, especially after NEFSA (the National E-Hailing Drivers Association) threatened a national strike. In official statements, Bolt and Uber pledged to:

• Improve real-time driver verification

• Work with SAPS to protect drivers and passengers

• Add safety features like SOS buttons and vehicle inspections

• Rethink commission structures and fuel subsidy support

Still, many drivers say changes are slow, and riders remain wary.

The Legal Landscape in 2025

The National Land Transport Amendment Act, signed into law in 2024, now recognises e-hailing as a regulated transport mode in South Africa. This gives municipalities the power to license, vet, and manage e-hailing operations like they do with taxis.

But implementation is still lagging. Until provinces enforce the rules, most of the current e-hailing safety framework relies on platforms self-policing, a major concern for many riders.

What Locals Are Saying

On Facebook groups and X (formerly Twitter), Joburgers have been vocal. Some say they’ve stopped using e-hailing at night entirely. Others have shared tips like:

• Never accept a trip from someone who doesn’t say your name first

• Match the licence plate to the app; don’t rely on the car’s make

• Share your trip in real time with a family member

• Don’t get in if the driver’s photo isn’t a match; cancel and report

So Which Is Safer: E-Hailing or Taxis?

Honestly? It depends on where, when, and how you ride.

E-hailing apps still offer valuable tools, trip tracking, emergency buttons, and the ability to report incidents in-app. But until identity verification improves and regulations are enforced, that safety is far from guaranteed.

Taxis have familiarity and fixed locations on their side, but unregulated pricing and inconsistent conduct make them risky in different ways.

Tips to Stay Safe in 2025

Whether you use Bolt, Uber, or a cab, here’s how to stay safer on the road:

• Always confirm driver identity before entering the car

• Avoid riding alone late at night if possible

• Use in-app SOS buttons if you feel unsafe

• Never share personal contact info with a driver

• Keep doors locked during the ride

• If using a taxi, pre-book with a reputable company or from a hotel dispatch

In Joburg today, the question isn’t “which ride is safer?” It’s “how can I ride safer?”

As platforms and government slowly evolve, locals are adapting fast, becoming smarter, more cautious, and more vocal. Whether it’s Uber, Bolt, or a taxi, riders are choosing vigilance over convenience in 2025.

Stay aware. Stay alert. And always check before you ride.

Also read: What Are the Most Stolen Car Brands in Joburg? 2025 Update

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Featured Image: BusinessLIVE