Taxis need to realise they are being replaced by a superior service with Uber: analyst
Taxi companies need to realise that attacking the competition is not the answer to their problems, says Jon Tullett, research manager for IT services for Africa at the International Data Corporation (IDC).
Speaking to 702’s Stephen Grootes, Tullett said that South Africa’s history of taxi violence combined with Uber’s history of protests against them by taxi services they’ve displaced, are problematic.
“The taxi industry needs to accept that they are being displaced by a superior service, and consumers aren’t going to back to them just because you are intimating a competitor. The only way to compete is to improve.”
Tullet also said that there were very few options open to Uber to expand its security options for drivers, and most potential plans would have limitations of their own.
“Uber could do much more to vet the riders, to stop potential attackers from setting up an account, summoning an Uber and attacking the driver. They could limit routes to safer areas, which is something they are already trying to do. But all of those things are fairly easily overcome if you are an attacker.”
Speaking to MyBroadband on its plans to end taxi violence and intimidation of its drivers, general manager of Uber for sub-Saharan Africa Alon Lits said that the company was currently looking into further rider verification procedures.
Uber drivers in South Africa have asked that the service require riders to upload a photo of themselves. However, Uber could not confirm what its additional verification procedures will involve.
Other new features include a 24 hour hotline for its drivers, clear indicators for cash-only payments and the group has deployed security personnel to assist drivers on high-risk routes.
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