Cali's Transport Tangle: Apps vs. Taxis

Cali, Colombia, is currently grappling with a significant transport upheaval, as a new bill being prepared by the Superintendencia de Transporte threatens to dismantle the operations of popular ride-sharing platforms such as Uber, DiDi, InDriver, and Cabify. This proposed legislation not only targets the drivers who rely on these applications for their livelihood but also aims to penalise passengers who continue to utilise these services. The ramifications of this bill are far-reaching, sparking widespread protests and intensifying the already strained relationship between app-based drivers and traditional taxi operators.

The Proposed Legislation: A Game Changer?

The draft bill, brought to light by former congressman José Daniel López, who now heads Alianza In, an association representing transport applications, outlines severe penalties for both service providers and users. According to López, the legislation proposes fines exceeding 10 million Colombian Pesos (COP) for individuals who continue to use these apps for their transportation needs. This move, he argues, fundamentally infringes upon the public's right to choose their mode of transport.

Article 51 of the draft bill specifically states that "those contracting the service who incur the following infractions will be sanctioned with fines of two hundred and fifty (250) Tax Value Units (UVT) – contracting transport supply with unauthorised natural or legal persons. The sanction will be imposed for each vehicle used in the contracted services." Furthermore, the same article extends penalties to "owners of commercial establishments that intermediate or promote the use of informal or illegal transport services by users or clients who access the products and services provided through the establishment."

Impact on Drivers and the Economy

Alianza In estimates that this initiative, slated for discussion in the upcoming legislative session, could lead to the unemployment of approximately 100,000 Colombians. The mere publication of the draft has triggered a strong reaction from hundreds of individuals who depend on these platforms for their income. Protests erupted in various cities, most notably in Bogotá, where drivers blocked major thoroughfares, including the Calle 26 near El Dorado International Airport. While these demonstrations were eventually dispersed with the intervention of authorities, the underlying discontent remains palpable.

Cali: A Hotspot of Conflict

Cali, in particular, has become a focal point for these transport disputes. Mobilisations in the city have unfortunately escalated into confrontations between app-based drivers and traditional taxi drivers. The situation in Cali is characterised by ongoing clashes between these two factions, as well as with drivers operating in the so-called "pirate transport" sector, which refers to unregulated and often informal taxi services.

The Traditional Taxi Perspective: Taxis Libres

Amidst this regulatory turmoil, traditional taxi services are also innovating to stay competitive. Taxis Libres, a prominent taxi service in Colombia, has introduced features to enhance customer experience and communication. Maritza Hernández, CTO at Taxis Libres, highlighted the integration of WhatsApp for direct communication between travellers and drivers, stating, "Travellers will be able to communicate from WhatsApp directly with drivers through Taxis Libres to have greater traceability of information." To use this service, customers simply need to save the number 310 2111111 in their contacts and search for Taxis Libres on WhatsApp.

Alternative Apps for Private Drivers (Non-Taxi)

While the debate rages on regarding regulated versus app-based transport, it's worth noting the burgeoning market for private drivers who offer services outside the traditional taxi framework. For individuals looking to leverage their vehicles and driving skills for income, several applications offer unique opportunities:

StickerRide

This app offers a novel way for car owners to earn money: by advertising brands. Drivers can earn by displaying stickers from various companies on their vehicles, receiving payment for each mile travelled. The process is straightforward: register your details and car, apply for advertising campaigns, attach the stickers, and drive as usual. StickerRide also organises events and flash mobs for drivers, offering additional earning potential and bonuses.

Dryver Personal Hourly Driver

Designed for both clients and private drivers, Dryver allows users to find personal drivers for their own vehicles or to register as a driver. Drivers create profiles showcasing their experience and accumulating ratings from clients. This fosters a reputation system, helping drivers secure regular clients.

BlaBlaCar: Car Sharing and Bus

BlaBlaCar focuses on shared rides, enabling drivers to reduce fuel costs by finding passengers for their journeys. It also serves as a platform for individuals without a driver's licence to find rides. Drivers can offer their services to those planning trips, with safety features like user profiles and reviews to build trust.

MAPS.ME: Offline GPS Maps

While not a direct earning platform, MAPS.ME is an indispensable tool for any private driver. It provides offline GPS navigation with detailed maps of cities worldwide. This is crucial for drivers operating in areas with unreliable internet connectivity, offering route guidance, traffic information, and points of interest.

Cabify

Cabify provides a platform for private drivers to earn money and interact with new people. Drivers can receive direct orders from users who view their profiles or proactively offer their services. Drivers can use their own vehicles or the user's, and can even join Cabify's fleet. The app allows drivers to manage their trips, earnings, and define their service areas, enhancing control and efficiency. Profile customisation with driving experience and ratings helps build user trust.

Allocab Private Driver Cab Driver

This application is geared towards individuals looking to monetise their driving licences. It connects private drivers with users needing transport services. Drivers create detailed profiles, including age, gender, experience, and ratings, which are visible to potential clients. User ratings also help drivers assess the nature of their clients.

HOPIN - Tap for Transport

HOPIN is a versatile application that not only promotes private driver services but also provides valuable information on traffic, parking, and congestion. Drivers can register their profiles, showcase their experience, and receive service offers. The app also allows users to monitor other users' posts and offer their services independently. HOPIN prioritises user safety and offers a support service for any queries.

The Road Ahead

The situation in Cali highlights the complex interplay between technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and the livelihoods of those in the transport sector. As the proposed legislation moves through the Colombian Congress, the future of ride-sharing platforms and the drivers associated with them remains uncertain. The ongoing dialogue and potential for compromise between government bodies, transport apps, and traditional taxi services will be crucial in shaping the future of urban mobility in Cali and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue regarding transport apps in Cali?

A proposed bill by the Superintendencia de Transporte aims to penalise users and drivers of ride-sharing apps like Uber, DiDi, and Cabify, leading to protests and conflict with traditional taxi drivers.

What are the proposed penalties for using ride-sharing apps?

The draft bill suggests fines of up to 250 UVT (approximately 10 million COP) for individuals who contract services from unauthorised transport providers.

How are traditional taxi services like Taxis Libres adapting?

Taxis Libres is enhancing customer service by integrating WhatsApp for direct communication between passengers and drivers, improving information traceability.

What are some alternative apps for private drivers?

Apps like StickerRide, Dryver, BlaBlaCar, Cabify, Allocab, and HOPIN offer various opportunities for individuals to earn income as private drivers or through car-sharing initiatives.

What is the potential economic impact of the new legislation?

It is estimated that the proposed bill could lead to the unemployment of around 100,000 Colombians who work for transport application companies.