Navigating Change: The Impact of Uber and E-Hailing on Informal Taxi Routes in the Global South

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In recent years, the rise of Uber and other e-hailing platforms has sparked intense debates and challenges in urban transportation, particularly in the global South. Agyemang's (2020) case study on the Uber-Local Taxis conflict in Accra reveals the complex interplay between formal and informal transportation systems. Uber and the likes have intensified competition for the customer market share in urban areas and they operate on the same routes as informal taxis which has led to a lot of aggression between the two operators (Agyemang, 2020). The concept of "Uberisation" in Africa, as discussed by Lakeman and Lay (2019), highlights the broader trend of digital platforms transforming informal work structures. In this context, e-hailing services act as catalysts for change, influencing the traditional taxi industry and reshaping the informal sector by becoming one of the biggest taxi operators competing with informal taxis on routes.

The impact of Uber and e-hailing on informal taxi routes is not confined to Accra; it resonates across the global South. Pollio's (2019) exploration of Uber in Cape Town sheds light on the forefronts of the sharing economy, indicating that the effects of digital mobile taxis extend beyond economic considerations to encompass cultural and social dimensions. Uber and Ola in Delhi provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by traditional taxi drivers (Kashyap and Bhatia, 2018).

The dichotomy between the new-age e-hailing services and conventional taxi operations underscores the need for urban planners to facilitate a harmonious coexistence, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are equitably distributed.

The evolving urban transportation landscape demands a more dynamic response than ever (Surie and Huws, 2023).

Acknowledging the intertwined nature of formal and informal transportation, planners should focus on adaptive regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with the preservation of existing systems. Collaborative efforts involving local governments, e-hailing platforms, and traditional taxi operators can pave the way for more sustainable urban mobility solutions.

In conclusion, the impact of Uber and e-hailing on informal taxi routes in the global South is a complex web coming with new dynamics into the space. Urban planners must navigate this terrain with a keen awareness of the interconnectedness of formal and informal systems, fostering an inclusive approach that leverages technological advancements for the benefit of all stakeholders. The problem lies in crafting policies that not only regulate but also nurture a harmonious coexistence, ensuring a resilient and equitable urban transportation ecosystem.

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References

Agyemang, E., 2020. “Uber is here to stay”: exploring the policy implications of the Uber-Local Taxis turf war in Accra, Ghana. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 8(1), pp.59-66.

Acheampong, R.A., Case Studies on Transport Policy.

Babitha, M., Kapavarapu, A., Agarwal, A., Arora, L., Malatkar, P. and Punjabi, S., The Impact of E-Hailing Cab Service on the Public Taxi Service after Its Inception.

Kashyap, R. and Bhatia, A., 2018. Taxi drivers and taxidars: a case study of Uber and Ola in Delhi. Journal of Developing Societies, 34(2), pp.169-194.

Lakemann, T. and Lay, J., 2019. Digital platforms in Africa: The" Uberisation" of informal work.

Pollio, A., 2019. Forefronts of the sharing economy: Uber in Cape Town. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 43(4), pp.760-775.

Surie, A. and Huws, U., 2023. Platformization and Informality: Pathways of Change, Alteration, and Transformation. In Platformization and Informality: Pathways of Change, Alteration, and Transformation (pp. 1-12). Cham: Springer International Publishing.