For anyone who regularly relies on e-hailing services like Uber or Bolt, the simple act of getting into a car with a stranger already carries a measure of risk. Now, with new regulations coming into effect, many riders are torn between relief and apprehension.

The updated laws require all e-hailing vehicles to be clearly branded, drivers to keep their identification profiles up to date, and—perhaps most critically—to be fitted with panic buttons. It’s a response to growing safety fears, particularly after incidents where riders and drivers have been targeted by criminals or caught in clashes with traditional taxi operators.

Speaking on HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs, powered by Standard Bank, Justin Sutter, General Manager for Aura Sub-Saharan Africa explained that public emergency services are overstretched and slow to respond.

“Government is playing catch-up,” he said, highlighting that private security partnerships, like Aura’s integration with Uber’s in-app SOS button, are filling a crucial gap. If a rider presses the SOS button, the nearest vetted private response vehicle is dispatched automatically—dramatically reducing response times.

Still, branding presents a double-edged sword. While it builds trust and visibility, it could make e-hailing vehicles more identifiable to criminals. For riders, that’s an unsettling trade-off: greater peace of mind when booking a ride, but potentially greater exposure on the road.

There’s also the question of cost. Physical panic button hardware and private response services carry expenses, which may lead to slightly higher fares. Yet for many riders, safety outweighs cost. Knowing that help could arrive within minutes is worth a few extra rand.

Ultimately, these changes signal progress—but also a reminder that staying safe in an e-hailing car shouldn’t depend on luck. It should be built into the ride.

Listen to the full interview from HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs, below: