A new drivers’ association demands minimum fares, capped commissions and consultation on pricing, accusing e-hailing platforms of squeezing drivers’ earnings.
GAZETTE REPORTER
Botswana’s e-hailing drivers are demanding government intervention over fares and commissions, accusing digital transport platforms, particularly Yango, of imposing prices that fail to cover their operating costs.
Regulatory Gaps
The disgruntled drivers have formed the Ride Hailing E-Platforms Organization of Botswana (RHEPOB) to challenge what they say is unchecked exploitation in an industry operating without adequate government regulation.
Speaking to The Botswana Gazette, RHEPOB chairman Tumisani Tsotsi accused e-hailing companies of exploiting regulatory gaps to impose unfair fares and commissions without considering drivers’ financial burdens.
Government Intervention
“This digital platform transport business has caught our country napping and not ready, therefore the owners are doing as they please for their own benefit. They do not care about the drivers’ interests. Therefore, we are demanding the intervention of the government,” Tsotsi said.
He singled out Yango, accusing the company of determining transport fares without considering rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance and other operating expenses.
Drivers’ Costs
Tsotsi argued that while platform operators and passengers benefit from low fares, drivers struggle to make ends meet despite spending long hours on the road.
He said the current arrangement gives platform operators excessive control over drivers’ earnings, leaving those providing transport services with little influence over pricing decisions.
Minimum Fares
At the centre of RHEPOB’s demands is the introduction of a regulated minimum fare per kilometre to prevent platforms from imposing what drivers consider unsustainable transport charges.
Tsotsi said fares should reflect prevailing fuel prices, maintenance costs and other operational expenses to ensure drivers receive reasonable returns.
Commission Cap
The association is also demanding a cap on commissions deducted by e-hailing platforms, arguing that excessive charges further erode drivers’ already limited earnings.
Another key demand is an end to unilateral fare-setting, with RHEPOB insisting that recognised drivers’ associations must be consulted before platforms introduce pricing changes.
Driver Representation
Tsotsi maintained that drivers are central stakeholders in the industry and should have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their livelihoods.
Overseas Operators
Tsotsi said engaging e-hailing application owners was difficult because they were based outside Botswana.
He believes government intervention could help bring platform operators to the negotiating table and ensure they understand and comply with Botswana’s regulations.
Regulatory Demands
RHEPOB wants government to introduce regulations promoting transparency, fair pricing and accountability while balancing the interests of drivers, passengers and platform operators.