THE City of Harare says it is consulting various stakeholders as it prepares to draft a new regulatory framework for e-hailing services such as InDrive and Bolt.
Council’s transport department has been tasked with developing the proposed policy in consultation with relevant stakeholders and the government.
Mayor Jacob Mafume said existing transport laws were largely designed for conventional taxis, buses and kombis and had not kept pace with app-based services.
He said conventional passenger transport operators had raised concerns over the application of existing regulations, arguing that e-hailing operators were providing similar passenger services but operating under a different regulatory environment.
“We have tasked our transport department to come up quickly with a policy that will consult with the relevant stakeholders, and make sure that there is compliance with the law, and that this service not only contributes to employment, but also contributes to the maintenance of the infrastructure that they have to use, and the maintenance of revenues to the city,” he said.
The country’s Road Motor Transportation Act regulates passenger transport services, including permit requirements, but predates the emergence of app-based transport platforms.
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The proposed policy comes amid increased enforcement against some e-hailing drivers by Harare municipal police, with drivers reportedly being stopped and fined for alleged breaches of existing transport regulations.
Mafume acknowledged the need for a clearer regulatory framework specifically addressing e-hailing services.
However, the mayor acknowledged the growing importance of the sector, particularly as a source of employment and income for families.
The city also intends to examine regulatory approaches adopted in other countries, particularly South Africa, before settling on a framework suitable for Harare.
Mafume said the proposed regulations would seek to balance the need for compliance with the law with the continued growth of e-hailing services.