Gauteng to launch own e-hailing app for safer rides

JOHANNESBURG — 18 August 2025

Gauteng transport officials plan to launch a provincial e-hailing platform to improve safety in the ride-hailing sector, MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela announced.

The initiative aims to address widespread safety concerns that have pushed residents away from existing services. Officials are developing the provincial app with stakeholder input (Gauteng Department of Transport).

“There are various proposals for a solution on the table. It’s an opportunity for us to come up with a Gauteng e-hailing app, which all of us will be responsible for,” Diale-Tlabela stated during a media briefing on Monday.

The MEC confirmed that safety concerns were a main motivation. “We know some apps are notorious for not being safe, and as a result, all of us have moved away from using those apps,” she said.

Diale-Tlabela emphasised government accountability: “At the end of the day, as government, we are held responsible. That’s why you see us saying: let’s work on our own e-hailing app, that you, as society and communities in Gauteng, can hold us responsible.”

The MEC added that Gauteng won’t wait for national regulations. She urged the national Department of Transport to finalise industry rules while Gauteng proceeds independently.

Gautrain management has been tasked with refining and implementing the provincial app plan. The launch timeline remains undisclosed.