Uber and Bolt defend fare hikes amid Durban taxi strike backlash
South African taxi strike prompts price hikes from e-hailing services.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
South African netizens have accused e-hailing giants of price gouging as the two-day strike by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) continues to disrupt transport in KwaZulu-Natal.
Price gouging refers to the practice of dramatically raising prices during a crisis when demand is high and alternatives are limited.
Simo Kalajdzic, the senior operations manager at Bolt South Africa, told IOL that prices had temporarily risen.
"Prices on the Bolt platform in Durban and across KZN have temporarily increased due to a supply-and-demand imbalance. With the ongoing taxi strike, we have seen a significant rise in rider demand, while at the same time fewer drivers are online due to the risks associated with operating during this period," Kalajdzic said.
E-hailing giants face accusations of price gouging amid South African taxi strike.
Image: Screenshot
A spokesperson for Uber shared familiar sentiments. "On the Uber platform, fares are dynamic and take into account a number of different factors, including distance, estimated trip duration, and real-time factors like traffic and available drivers. In response to the current protest action in Durban, we proactively capped any surge pricing in the area to ensure riders continue to have access to fair and consistent fares."
The taxi strike has left thousands of commuters stranded, with many relying on alternative transport options.
Ntokozo Dlamini who works in the Westville area but is from Umlazi told IOL that she had no idea how she would get home.
"There are no taxis. There won't be any tomorrow, so I won't bother coming to work," she said. "But, right now, I have no idea how I am going to get home. I suppose I will have to ask colleagues to drop me off."
Price gouging allegations arise as taxi strike disrupts transport in KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: Screenshot
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