Competition Commission rejects complaint against Uber

The Competition Commission has taken a decision not to prosecute a complaint filed by the metered taxi industry against Uber Technology (Pty) Ltd (Uber). The metered taxi industry had accused Uber of operating unfairly in that it secured partnerships with multinational companies‚ giving it unparalleled access to the market. It also charged that Uber misled the public by its notion of job creation for drivers and did not comply with South African public rules and regulations. Other complaints against Uber were that it floods the market with vehicles because it does not have to comply with licensing and other public transport regulations; and that it charges prices that are below costs. However‚ the Commission said it had conducted an investigation into these allegations and had taken a view that the alleged conduct did not contravene the Competition Act. "In terms of the Competition Act‚ the Metered Taxi Industry has 20 business days to refer the complaint directly to the Competition Tribunal if it disagrees with the Commission’s decision‚" it added.