Uber is set to discontinue its UberX ride category across South Africa starting next month, replacing the platform’s long-standing everyday ride option with a more streamlined selection of services.

The decision expands on Uber’s earlier announcement in May 2026, when it said UberX would initially be withdrawn from Johannesburg in September. The company has now confirmed that the change will apply nationwide.

UberX has traditionally been the platform’s standard ride option, offering relatively affordable trips in vehicles such as Toyota Corollas and other sedans that could accommodate up to four passengers.

According to Uber, removing the service is part of an effort to simplify its product offering and provide customers with ride categories designed around specific needs and budgets.

The New Uber Lineup

Following the removal of UberX, South African customers will have four main options.

Uber Go will serve as the lower-cost option, using smaller vehicles and targeting customers looking for affordable trips, particularly for shorter journeys.

Uber Comfort will cater to passengers looking for newer and more spacious vehicles, while also offering preferences such as requesting a quieter ride.

Uber Black will remain the premium option, providing higher-end vehicles, highly rated drivers and longer waiting periods.

Uber Reserve will allow passengers to schedule trips up to 90 days in advance, with features including advance pricing and scheduled pickup.

Why Uber Is Making the Change

The decision comes amid intense competition in South Africa's e-hailing market, where platforms such as Uber and Bolt have increasingly competed on price.

The resulting pressure has raised concerns among some industry observers about whether lower fares are contributing to declining vehicle and service standards.

Uber has also faced criticism over safety and quality control, particularly as the company has expanded its lower-cost offerings.

One example is Uber Moto, which launched in Johannesburg in 2025. The motorcycle-based service faced criticism from road-safety experts over issues including passenger safety, helmet availability and the challenges of safely transporting unfamiliar passengers on motorcycles.

A More Fragmented Ride-Hailing Market

The changes are also taking place as smaller ride-hailing platforms attempt to differentiate themselves by focusing on safety and specific customer groups.

Platforms such as Wanatu, along with female-focused services including ChaufHER, SheGo and Kgosigadi, have positioned themselves around security, passenger protection and specialised transportation needs.

Uber's removal of UberX therefore represents more than a simple product change. It reflects a wider shift in South Africa's ride-hailing industry as companies balance affordability, competition, safety and profitability.

For existing UberX users, the biggest immediate change will be having to choose from a different ride category once the service is discontinued nationwide.