Uber, the ride-hailing smartphone app that has taken the world by storm, has been met with fierce resistance in Cape Town today (Thursday).

The application allows users to request a personal taxi driver for a fee, but metered taxi drivers and operators have not taken too kindly to Uber’s operation in the Mother City. According to Fin24, drivers have been protesting in the street of Cape Town in their hundreds since around mid-day, voicing their anger towards the service.

Uber in Cape Town came into the spotlight earlier this month when 34 private cabs were stopped and impounded by the city’s Metro police. According to the City’s Safety and Security department, which is responsible for law enforcement and traffic services, the drivers were operating without valid permits for metered taxis and therefore breaking the law.

This is the same sentiment shared by David Drummond, vice chairperson of the Western Cape Metered Taxi Council, and the reason for today’s protest march.

“Today’s march is on our members that are in the City of Cape Town (sic). We are predominantly marching against illegal taxi operators. These are not people that are standing in the wrong street or area. These are people that have no permits, are not authorised at all,” he told Fin24.

Uber is well aware of the protest, and released a statement saying that despite the uproar, it will continue to provide a service to the residents of Cape Town.

“Uber will continue to provide our world-class service to the people of Cape Town. We will continue to train and upskill all partner-drivers and provide them with as many benefits as we can, so they can grow and succeed in their businesses. Safety, reliability, innovation and choice – not protests – are what draw consumers to the transport of the future.”

Media reports suggest that as many as 220 people and 30 cars are taking part in the protest. Uber has been met with similar resistance around the world, including India and San Francisco.

Developing story…

[Source – Fin24]