Uber is phasing out UberX in South Africa, ending one of the ride-hailing company’s oldest and historically most popular services in one of Africa’s biggest digital transport markets.
The company confirmed that UberX, its standard ride category, will be discontinued as it restructures its South African product offering and seeks to create clearer distinctions between its increasingly crowded range of services.
UberX was among the company’s earliest offerings when Uber entered South Africa in 2013 and subsequently became a central part of its expansion in the country.
Uber told News24 that the proliferation of ride categories over the years had made it increasingly difficult for customers to distinguish between some products, while also reducing the advantage enjoyed by drivers operating higher-specification vehicles.
“The decision to phase out UberX is intended to simplify the product portfolio and create clearer categories for both riders and drivers,” an Uber spokesperson said.
