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The government has directed the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to act against online taxi operators labeling their vehicles, a move Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali says disrupts fair competition and disadvantages traditional taxi drivers.
Responding to a query on the government’s stance regarding labeled online taxis, Tayali emphasized in a telephone interview with Zambia Monitor on Wednesday that such services, which operate exclusively through mobile apps, should remain unmarked to distinguish them from traditional taxis.
“All business for online taxis starts and stops with the app. Regular taxis are labeled for easy identification and can be physically hailed, but online taxis are app-driven and should not mimic traditional taxi operations,” he said.
The minister added that labeling by online operators not only creates confusion among commuters but also undermines the established order in the transport sector.
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“We have issued a clear directive and stated our position as a government and government doesn’t go back against its position. I am pleased that Yango has complied, but we call on law enforcement agencies to enforce the rules and address violations by other operators in the market,” Tayali said.
Currently, operators such as In Drive, My Cab Zambia, and Unka Go have labeled their vehicles, which the minister described as a violation of the rules of engagement.
Tayali warned that non-compliant operators risk facing strict regulatory enforcement to ensure a level playing field for all.
The move may aim to protect the integrity and sustainability of Zambia’s taxi industry while ensuring a level playing field for both traditional and app-based operators.
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