Uber *****

In my view, Uber's business practices in South Africa raise significant concerns regarding integrity. Numerous reviews highlight troubling experiences, and it appears that there is little likelihood of government intervention to address these issues. I did not have the Uber app on my phone, yet a deduction of R500 occurred on March 28th at 12:38 pm from my Capitec account. I use my Capitec virtual card exclusively for online transactions; my primary banking relationship is with FNB. At the time of the deduction, I had only R520 in my Capitec account, which resulted in the deduction being followed by two additional attempts that were declined due to insufficient funds, incurring R6.00 in fees. While this amount is not substantial, the principle of the matter is concerning.

I have reported this incident to Capitec for investigation and hope to see the return of my R500. My primary inquiry is how Uber obtained my virtual card number, as it is not associated with the Uber app, the Uber Eats app, or my Google Wallet.

While I acknowledge that Bolt has its share of negative reviews, my experiences with them have generally been more favourable. Although I have encountered cleanliness issues with their vehicles and occasional rudeness from drivers, I have also encountered friendly drivers and clean cars on several occasions. Additionally, I have established a rapport with a local driver who provides reliable service in a well-maintained vehicle, and we have agreed on direct payment terms.

It is unfortunate that issues of ***** and poor service experiences negatively impact all drivers, including those who take pride in their work and provide quality service. I would encourage Uber to reconsider its hiring practices, particularly concerning the nationalities of its drivers, and to verify work visas. Such measures might help mitigate ***** concerns and improve Uber's reputation, ultimately leading to a better customer experience and higher ratings.