Digital Can drivers are today set to cease providing online cab-hailing services to Uber and Bolt over what they cite as a failure to comply with the Transport Network Companies Rules, 2022.
The rules were gazetted mid-this year by the Cabinet Secretary, Transport and infrastructure with some of the main highlights being the capping of commission charged on drivers at a maximum of 18% per trip. Digital Taxi companies were required to have complied with the rules by 22nd September 2022. By this date, none of the Transport Network Companies had complied leading to a protest by drivers on the 25th of October 2022. Uber had moved to court to challenge the said rules citing that the rules would cripple their business.
On 31st October, NTSA released a public notice clarifying that as on that date, only four (4) Transport Network Companies were duly licensed namely Yego Mobility Limited operating the YEGO app, Little Limited which operates Little Cab App, Uber BV and Bolt Operations CU. Still, on the same day, Farasi Cabs Limited was also found to be compliant and issued with a Transport Network Company license. NTSA also met Transport Network Drivers together with representatives from the Ministry of Transport to assess the implementation of the TNC Rules, 2022.
The drivers now claim that despite being found to have been compliant, the two major apps; Bolt and Uber have using underhand methods to gain more commission than the recommended 18% by introducing charges such as booking fee and waiting fee charged on the driver. The Organization of Online Drivers has stated that their members will offer services to compliant apps namely; Little Cab, Hava Cabs and Yego Mobility and urged members of the public to download any of the three (3) apps.
We at www.spaceyamagari.com shall be following up on this issue of Transport Network Companies and will keep you informed of any new developments.
Do you think that individual Digital Cab Drivers are really ready to dump Uber and BOLT? Give your take on this issue in the comments section below.
Young Lawyer with a passion for vehicles.
Upcoming Motor Journalist.
L'écriture est ma passion.
Nissan Patrol Y 62 is the goal.
www.karimi.co.ke
karimi@spaceyamagari.com
