{
  "id": 4879037,
  "title": "Uber hits back at claims that it is pushing out drivers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/uber-hits-back-at-claims-that-it-is-pushing-out-drivers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T14:49:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/business/uber-hits-back-at-claims-that-it-is-pushing-out-drivers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Uber has responded to allegations that it is displacing drivers by canceling its UberX service, insisting it is a strategic move to streamline its offerings. The decision to discontinue UberX was announced on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, as part of an effort to simplify its product lineup. This move comes after the National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa (Nefsa) expressed concerns that the termination of UberX could leave numerous drivers without employment on the platform.\n\nNefsa spokesperson Tella Masakale stated that the organization was taken aback by Uber's decision, as they were not consulted beforehand. He emphasized that Uber's categories, including UberX, Uber Go, Uber Comfort, and others, are economically unsustainable. Masakale added that Uber should engage in open communication about its pricing model and the categories it introduces. According to him, around 60% of their drivers may not be able to transition to another category without their vehicles becoming unsuitable.\n\nUber, however, maintains that it is not aiming to push drivers out of the platform. Instead, the company explained that the discontinuation of UberX is a deliberate effort to simplify its offerings, eliminate overlaps between product categories, and ensure that riders have clearer choices and drivers maintain fair earnings. UberGo and UberComfort are the primary options for customers, with UberGo catering to everyday trips and UberComfort providing a premium service for higher-tier rides. Uber clarified that drivers can transition to the new categories based on their vehicle's eligibility.\n\nNevertheless, Masakale highlighted that the process of transitioning between categories can be challenging due to Uber's restrictions, such as a vehicle's age limit. Vehicles must be newer than five years to be eligible for UberComfort, which means older vehicles, like those operated by many of Nefsa's members, may not qualify. Consequently, drivers who previously earned around R70 per 5km trip on UberX will now be earning only R50 on UberGo due to not meeting the criteria for UberComfort. Uber emphasized its commitment to supporting driver-partners with sustainable earning opportunities while delivering transparent and high-quality options for riders across South Africa.",
  "summary": "Nefsa says Uber prices are economically unsustainable.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}