We have a regulated taxi system for a reason: it keeps people safe and ensures that prices remain fair. In our taxi industry, drivers undergo strict background checks, vehicles are regularly inspected and insured, and drivers adhere to regulations that prioritize passenger safety and welfare. In contrast, companies like Uber and Bolt operate without adhering to these stringent safety measures, yet they are permitted to compete for the same pool of customers. This creates an uneven playing field, undermining the standards that have been established to protect the public.

Currently, our taxi industry provides a level of safety and service that cannot be compromised. Allowing Uber and Bolt to operate without abiding by the same rules could jeopardize passenger security and lead to distorted pricing structures where consumers may end up paying more. With their flexible pricing models, these companies retain the ability to hike fares arbitrarily, making the cost of riding unpredictable for users.

In other regions where Uber and Bolt have taken significant control of the transport market, local taxi businesses have been driven out, leaving passengers with fewer choices and less competitive pricing. The impact on local employment has also been significant, with many qualified taxi drivers losing their livelihoods.

It's important to safeguard the livelihood of our regulated taxi drivers who have invested in meeting the required standards, and to protect passengers from potentially unregulated services that put them at risk. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) must take a stand to uphold these standards and refuse to allow these unregulated pseudo-taxi services to take precedence over local, law-abiding taxi operators.

Join us in this crucial fight to uphold fairness, safety, and sustainability in our taxi industry. Your signature will show the CCPC that the community values a regulated, safe, and fair taxi environment. Please sign this petition to protect our taxi industry and keep our passengers safe!