Harare Council Plans New Policy To Collect Revenue From InDrive And Bolt Drivers

The City of Harare is working on a new policy that could see e-hailing operators contribute revenue to the local authority.

Mayor Jacob Mafume said the move is part of efforts to bring services such as Bolt and InDrive into a formal regulatory framework.

The development comes amid increased enforcement against e-hailing operators in the capital.

Council Admits Regulatory Gap

Mafume said existing laws have not kept pace with the rapid growth of app-based transport services.

He described the situation as a legal gap affecting the regulation of e-hailing services in Harare and elsewhere in Zimbabwe.

According to the mayor, e-hailing vehicles effectively provide passenger transport services.

He said traditional taxis, buses and kombis have long been required to comply with regulations governing passenger transport.

This has raised concerns over whether similar requirements should apply to e-hailing operators.

Mafume said the council recognises the economic contribution made by e-hailing platforms.

He noted that the sector provides employment and income for families across the city.

However, he said operators should also contribute towards maintaining the infrastructure they use.

The council has therefore instructed its transport department to develop a policy after consulting relevant stakeholders.

The proposed framework is expected to address compliance while creating a mechanism for the city to generate revenue from the sector.

Mafume said the council is engaging its parent ministry while discussions continue on how existing operators should be treated.

One option being considered is a window period for e-hailing drivers while authorities work on the regulatory framework.

The mayor said Harare also intends to study how other countries have regulated app-based transport services.

South Africa and other countries were cited as examples of jurisdictions that have introduced frameworks governing e-hailing businesses.

Mafume also defended the ongoing crackdown on e-hailing operators.

He said municipal police were enforcing the laws currently on the books rather than targeting the sector because of its digital business model.

According to the mayor, the challenge is that the existing legal framework predates the rapid expansion of e-hailing services.

He said the council would announce its position on the interim measures once consultations have been completed.

Mafume also suggested that e-hailing operators should not object to contributing to the city.

He argued that additional revenue could help Harare maintain roads and other infrastructure used by transport operators.