Uber is set to discontinue its UberX service in Johannesburg from 1 September 2026, marking a significant change to one of the ride hailing company’s longest standing services in South Africa.
The move will see UberX disappear from the platform as Uber reorganises its range of products in an effort to make the differences between its ride categories clearer for passengers and drivers.
UberX has long been one of the company’s most recognisable services for everyday journeys, positioned between the cheaper Uber Go option and higher tier services such as Uber Comfort and Uber Black.
The service was first introduced by Uber in Cape Town in June 2014 before expanding to other major South African cities. Over the past decade, it has become a familiar choice for passengers looking for a standard ride without paying premium prices.
The company has told drivers that UberX will no longer be available from 1 September as part of a restructuring of its product offering.
According to reporting by IOL, which obtained an email sent to drivers, Uber said many of the same vehicles were being used across Uber Go, UberX and Comfort. This had created confusion for passengers trying to understand the difference between the various services and made it harder for drivers with higher specification vehicles to benefit from operating in a premium category.
Uber said the restructuring is intended to create clearer categories that better reflect how passengers choose rides while also improving opportunities for drivers.
Under the revised structure, Uber Go will remain the entry level option, while Uber Comfort and Uber Black will continue to provide passengers with higher levels of vehicle quality and service. Uber Reserve will cater for customers who want to arrange journeys in advance.
For passengers who have relied on UberX for everyday travel, the most noticeable change will therefore be the disappearance of the familiar option from the app.
The changes are also likely to attract close attention from Uber drivers, particularly those who have relied heavily on UberX trips.
Uber has indicated that drivers will not necessarily be removed from the platform simply because UberX is being discontinued. Instead, drivers will continue to be able to operate on products for which their vehicles qualify.
The company has said that drivers may still be eligible for services including Uber Go, Comfort, Black and other categories, depending on their vehicle and the applicable requirements.
Uber also told drivers that most already complete the majority of their journeys through Uber Go, with additional opportunities available through higher tier products where they qualify.
The company says the aim is to distribute demand more effectively between the different categories and give drivers greater clarity about the products they can offer.
The decision comes as South Africa’s e hailing market continues to evolve, with companies competing aggressively for passengers and drivers.
Uber, Bolt and other platforms have expanded the range of services available to customers, while affordability remains a major consideration for people using app based transport for commuting, shopping, work and other daily journeys.
The distinction between different vehicle categories has also become increasingly important as operators attempt to balance affordable fares with vehicle standards, driver earnings and passenger expectations.
For Uber, consolidating its product structure could make the app easier to understand, although the change may also leave some passengers wondering whether their usual journey will cost more once UberX disappears.
