Tech in Africa
Uber, Bolt, and other popular ride-hailing services are facing new sector regulations as on August 20. The new requirements mandate taxi riders and ride-hailing companies to provide certain documents.
The move came two months after the ban on motorcycle taxis by the Lagos State government back in March. Shortly after the ban motorcycles (Okadas) operators like MAX, ORide, and Gokada ceased operations.
According to the proposed report, Bolt and Uber drivers are to carry a driver’s badge and a Lagos State Drivers’ Institute card (LASDRI) issued by the State’s Department of Public Transport. Other vehicles on the ride-hailing platform must have Hackney permits issued by the Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency.
In the past, motor vehicle ride-hailing companies such as Bolt and Uber are not classified as ride-hailing companies. However, it’s now verified that the new rules include e-hailing.
Excepts from the report describes the new classification of taxi business operations as:
- App developers of Bolt/Uber who connect clients to vehicles but do not own the actual rides are Service entities.
- Taxi app operators who own fleets of vehicles including third-party fleet owners on their platform.
Taxicabs must also undergo a rigorous inspection in accordance with State’s Road Traffic Law under the special taxicab inspection protocol. The vehicle must be brand new, within 3 years of manufacture, not more then 1.3cc, have safety features that are in compliance as per the ministry guidelines, and a taxicab equipped with a Ministry-approved taximeter.
