• Government has taken note of the concerns of various stakeholders on online taxi services.
• New as it may seem in Zambia, this type of online taxi service is registering positive outcomes in other countries.
• Government appreciates the role that technologies play in facilitating business development and growth.

Minister of Transport and Logistics has directed Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to engage various stakeholders and find a way forward in facilitating for online taxi companies alongside traditional taxi services.

In a statement issued by Ministry’s Public Relations Officer Ndubi Mvula, Frank Tayali said Government has taken note of the concerns of various stakeholders on online taxi services, which is a new form of public service in the transport sector.

Mr. Tayali noted that new as this service may seem in Zambia’s transport sector, it is registering positive outcomes in other countries in terms of protection of the clients and the service, hence should not be stifled.

“Following, the release of an advert by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) on the need for compliance to the Public Service Vehicle licensing regulations by Online Taxi Operators, Government has taken note of the concerns of various stakeholders on online taxi services, which is a new form of public service in the transport sector.”
“Government appreciates the role that technologies play in facilitating business development and growth and in this respect will continue to ensure that an enabling environment is created that encourages business development and competition,” Mr. Tayali said.

He however stated that this will still need to be undertaken within an enabling legislation framework which allows for effective regulation of the sector and the safety of the travelling public.

Several stakeholders are calling for the amendment of the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002 as it does not favor the growth of online car hailing industry.

This follows RTSA’s decision to give all vehicle owners that have subscribed to online Car hailing services up to 30th June, 2022 to obtain Road Service Licenses, after which the institution will start impounding all vehicles providing Online services without required licenses by 1st July, 2022.