Harare Moves to Regulate Bolt and InDrive Operators as Council Seeks Revenue

The City of Harare is working on a new regulatory framework for e-hailing services such as Bolt and InDrive, with the proposed policy expected to include measures that could enable the local authority to generate revenue from the sector.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said the initiative is part of efforts to bring app-based transport operators into a formal regulatory system and ensure they comply with requirements applicable to other passenger transport providers.

Council Identifies Regulatory Gap

Mafume said existing legislation has struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth of e-hailing platforms.

According to the mayor, vehicles operating through platforms such as Bolt and InDrive provide passenger transport services and should therefore be subject to appropriate regulations, just like traditional taxis, buses and kombis.

The regulatory gap has become increasingly significant as the number of e-hailing vehicles operating in Harare continues to grow.

### Policy Could Create New Revenue Stream

Mafume said the council recognises the important economic role played by e-hailing platforms, particularly in providing employment and income for families.

However, he argued that operators should also contribute towards the maintenance of the roads and other infrastructure they use.

Harare's transport department has consequently been tasked with developing a policy after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The proposed framework is expected to address regulatory compliance while establishing a mechanism through which the city can collect revenue from the growing e-hailing industry.

### Government Consultations Continue

The council is also engaging the responsible government ministry as authorities consider how existing e-hailing operators should be treated under the proposed framework.

A temporary window period for drivers is reportedly among the options being considered while the new regulations are being developed.

Harare also plans to examine how other countries, including South Africa, have regulated app-based transport services.

### Mayor Defends Enforcement

Mafume defended the council's ongoing enforcement against e-hailing operators, saying municipal police were enforcing existing laws rather than specifically targeting digital transport businesses.

He said the main challenge was that current legislation was introduced before the rapid expansion of app-based transport services.

The mayor said the council would announce interim measures once consultations have been completed.

He also maintained that e-hailing operators should not oppose contributing to the city, arguing that additional revenue could help Harare maintain the roads and other public infrastructure used by transport operators.