Uber has announced that it will discontinue its UberX ride service in South Africa from 1 September 2026, bringing an end to one of the platform’s longest-running services in the country.
The announcement follows an earlier notice issued to customers in Johannesburg in May regarding the planned withdrawal of UberX.
UberX was introduced as a more affordable ride-hailing option and launched in Cape Town in June 2014 before expanding to Johannesburg two months later. Uber first entered the South African market in August 2013.
The service typically offered affordable, comfortable vehicles, including Toyota Corolla-class cars, with capacity for up to four passengers. It became a popular choice for customers looking for an economical alternative to premium services such as Uber Black.
Uber says the decision to end UberX forms part of an effort to simplify and tailor its range of services to customers' needs.
In a message to users, the company said it was bidding farewell to UberX while introducing a more streamlined selection of ride options.
From September, customers in South Africa will have four main options when booking an Uber:
- Uber Go – A smaller vehicle option at a lower price, aimed at affordable trips around town.
- Uber Comfort – Offers newer vehicles with additional space, as well as the option to request a quieter ride.
- Uber Black – Provides premium vehicles and highly rated drivers, with longer waiting times included.
- Uber Reserve – Allows customers to schedule trips up to 90 days in advance, with guaranteed pricing and scheduled pickups.
The move comes as South Africa’s e-hailing industry continues to evolve, with companies increasingly competing to offer affordable transport options to a wider range of customers.
However, the sector has also faced criticism over concerns about service standards and safety, with driving experts warning that competition between major platforms such as Uber and Bolt could contribute to cost-cutting pressures.
Uber has also faced increased scrutiny from authorities as government considers tighter regulation of the e-hailing industry.
The rapid growth of ride-hailing services has also created tensions with traditional taxi operators, while scams and fraud targeting passengers have prompted platforms to introduce additional safety measures and issue regular warnings to users.
UberX customers will therefore need to select from the revised range of services when the changes take effect on 1 September.