By Staff Writer
The National Department of Transport has gazetted the long-awaited National Land Transport Amendment Act and the Amended Regulations, for implementation.
The Act ushers in a new service type - the e-hailing service - as an additional choice of transport to the traveling public. It also seeks to affirm and officially recognize the new service type that has been treated as an illegal operation by the other service type operators.
It outlines a requirement for public transport operators to have operating licenses. This to ensure that services remain authorized and safe. It also sets rules for e-hailing services to maintain quality and security.
Each vehicle should be branded or carry a sign indicating it is an e-hailing vehicle.
Commuters must be able to verify the vehicle and driver details in the app, and if not, should exercise precaution.
App developers who permit users to use their apps without a valid Operating License risk a fine of up to R100,000 or up to two years in jail. All apps must also be registered with regulators.
Panic buttons to be installed in e-hailing vehicles to improve commuter safety and provide quick emergency response. Vehicle owners are responsible for making sure these are installed. The panic button for commuters will assist with crime detection and enable a rapid response by law-enforcement or tracking companies.
Commuters are also required to ensure the vehicle and driver are compliant. Drivers are required to have the requisite documents to be eligible for compliance.
The Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) offices will ensure compliance upon processing all applications before drivers can be issued with an Operating License.

Ehailing operators, when applying for operating licenses, will be subjected to a standard Operating License application fee.

On the other hand, app companies are required to register and comply with company laws in the Republic under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and South African Revenue Services (SARS), and there may be other requirements with costs.

The National Department of Transport will, in coming weeks, hold workshops to share this information with operators and officials.