The UberX service is a low-cost option for the ride-sharing platform, which launched in Cape Town in June 2014<\/a>, before expanding to Johannesburg that August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uber launched in South Africa in August 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast to the higher-end Uber Black service, which features premium vehicles like Mercedes and Audi, the UberX service had more economic and comfortable-class vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The service had Toyota Corolla-class vehicles, equipped with seats for up to four passengers, making them a go-to for ferrying friends and family to destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a notice sent to customers earlier this week, Uber announced it was officially bidding farewell to the service to pave the way for a simpler, more tailored lineup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhether you\u2019re looking for an everyday budget saver or a bit of extra legroom, we\u2019ve upgraded your options so you can ride exactly how you want to,\u201d Uber said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting next month, South Africans will have four options to choose from when booking a ride with Uber:<\/p>\n\n\n\n MyBroadband noted that the South African e-hailing industry has increasingly focused on budget options to accommodate lower-income users in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, driving-skills experts warn that the competition between companies like Uber and Bolt has led to a race to the bottom across various areas, including service standards and safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Uber, in particular, has faced criticism compared to its early years in the country when it quickly gained popularity among affluent and middle-class consumers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The popularity of ride-sharing has also brought the industry under scrutiny from authorities\u2014looking to tighten regulations on the sector\u2014as well as from competing taxi services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scammers and fraudsters have also increasingly targeted users, prompting alerts and updates to safety features from platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier this month, South African travellers using Uber to and from airports were warned to be cautious of fraudulent drivers posing as Uber representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Fake Uber drivers on the rise in South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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