South Africa’s e-hailing services have a bad rep. Unsafe driving, unsanitary cars, unroadworthy vehicles and just poor customer service.
The government plans to turn that around with new regulations to tighten security, improve quality and increase passenger safety.
The question is, why weren’t regulations already in place?
And what is the safe alternative?
Secure Express | The Safer Way To Get There is a South African-founded and run, on-demand, secure transportation company. The drivers are security-trained employees, the cars are owned and maintained by the company, and safety measures are in place at every stage.
‘We only accept the highest standard of customer service, and our drivers are regularly assessed. We take your safety seriously.’ – Secure Express.
Cape Town and Johannesburg
Secure Express is available in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and the company is part of the globally recognised Arcfyre Group, specialists in protective, risk consulting and journey management services
Quality over quantity
Drivers are employees with a salary, meaning they have no incentive to ignore Ryde requests (Secure Express’ term for rides).
In fact, company policy discourages drivers from delaying acceptance or chasing as many customers as possible – a current issue with Uber, where quantity is often prioritised over quality.
Another common issue is addressed – car cleanliness. The vehicles are also regularly assessed for ‘road-worthiness’, making sure each car is safe and follows regulations for use on public roads.
‘Customers love having a clean car. Inside is a friendly driver who is focused on your comfort and safety. They’ll ask if you are comfortable, which radio station you would like, if the aircon is ok. There is also free Wi-Fi in each vehicle.
The goal is that you relax, knowing you’re in good hands, and focus on what you want to do during the trip, if that’s replying to emails or taking calls.’ – Secure Express.
How does it work?
The app is downloaded, a car is requested, and you receive a notification that the driver is on their way.
A Secure Express driver picks you up, trained in streetwise driving, first aid, hijack prevention and customer service.
On the road, safetycams keep an eye on the street ahead and the driver, and each car has complimentary phone chargers and WiFi.
The car itself is tracked to keep you safe, monitored by Arcfyre’s Global Security Operations Centre team, who keep the driver up to date on any potential road disruptions.
Every car has custom emergency systems, so if you divert off the planned route, a customer support squad will call you to make sure you’re ok.
Door-to-Door Safety
If you’re flying in and new to town, Secure Express organises airport pick-ups directly from arrivals, meeting you at the gate and escorting you to the car.
There are options to choose the fastest or safest route, based on crime hotspots and risky areas, ensuring you arrive at your destination in a safe and timely manner.
You won’t pay any waiting fees or added surcharges either.
Approximately three-quarters of Secure Express customers are women, often travelling with children, and a large percentage are travellers visiting on business needing secure transportation.
Could this be the answer to the current issues faced in South Africa’s e-hailing market?
The rave reviews online certainly seem to think so.
