For many South Africans, owning a car has long been associated with independence and convenience. However, the rise of e-hailing services is reshaping personal transport preferences. This is mostly due to the rising cost of vehicles, technological growth, and evolving lifestyle choices.
E-hailing platforms have slowly narrowed the gap between traditional public transport services and car ownership. This mobility shift now has people questioning whether buying a car is actually worth it in today’s world.
Let us take a well-rounded look at both car ownership and e-hailing so you can see which option would best suit you.
Not everyone can afford to own a vehicle, which is why there will always be a need for public transportation services such as traditional taxis, meter taxis, buses, and trains. However, these modes of transportation have limitations, such as restricted operating hours, inconsistent availability in some areas, and safety concerns. As a result, daily commuters often felt the need to at least get an entry-level vehicle for greater practicality—until e-hailing came into play.
E-hailing platforms have transformed the way some people feel about the need for a car by offering a reliable alternative to traditional taxis, at an affordable price. This mode of transport was first introduced in South Africa in 2013 and has since gained popularity over the years. The ride-hailing market in South Africa is now valued at approximately 25.4 billion rand and is expected to reach a total market size of approximately 56.7 billion by 2030.
One of the primary factors driving the rise of e-hailing services is urbanisation. The demand for efficient transportation has increased as more people move to cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. With that said, car ownership still remains a long-term goal for many.
So the question is, is there a need to get a car when you can just hail a ride? Ultimately, your budget and lifestyle needs should determine which option fits best. Here are some factors to take into consideration before making your decision:
1. The initial cost of purchase
2. Ongoing operational costs
3. Depreciation
1. Distance and time
2. Type of service
3. Location
4. Connectivity
Another option that you can consider is buying a car and then using it for e-hailing services during your free time. E-hailing is a flexible way to earn extra income. The money can be used to cover some of the expenses of owning a car. At Cartrack, we have solutions that enhance safety for vehicle owners and e-hailing services.
Our main goal is to keep your car safe at all times using advanced tools such as the following:
Secure your car with a trusted vehicle security service. The reality is that vehicle theft is a huge problem in South Africa, so a tracking device is a must-have for vehicle owners. Our stolen recovery services are available 24/7, with real-time tracking, and nationwide access to skilled air and ground teams that are always ready to get your car back to you. Cartrack has an impressive recovery rate of approximately 90%, but in the unlikely event that your car cannot be recovered, you can get a cashback warranty of up to R150 000 to help replace it. Ts&C apply.
Use the Cartrack mobile app or website to get full visibility of your vehicle. You can easily share the live location with your loved ones, view your trip history, and get detailed information on driving habits such as speeding and harsh braking. This helps you see how well you drive and where you need to improve.
Get yourself a silent eyewitness on the road with our Road Vision and Dual Vision dashcam solutions. You can go with the forward-facing Road Vision camera or the Dual Vision solution that includes both front and in-cabin views—ideal for e-hailing safety. Both dashcams are cloud-based which means you can access footage at any time, even if the hardware has incurred some damage.
Recording your trips helps prove your innocence against accident disputes and fraudulent insurance claims. Dashcams are also highly recommended for e-hailing services as they make passengers feel safer and protect the driver from issues such as aggressive passenger behaviour.
As an extra layer of protection and convenience, you can include these value-added services in your package:
The Cartrack Protector feature is a value-added service that ensures that you are never left stranded on the road. Whether you need roadside assistance, medical support, or emergency response, we will be there. All you have to do is push the button on the mobile app, and we will send the help you need to your location.
Our Carwatch feature can be seen as a virtual car guard. This is another value-added service that you can use to secure your parked car. All you need to do is activate it on the Cartrack mobile app after you park. If your parked car moves without your permission, you will get an alert, and help will be on the way.
Our fleet management solutions allow e-hailing drivers to monitor vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and maintenance needs. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who operate multiple vehicles for e-hailing or lease out their cars to drivers.
Cartrack is a leading vehicle tracking service provider with over 2 million subscribers worldwide. With us, you get advanced vehicle security services at an affordable price. Whether you use your car for personal trips or e-hailing, we will ensure that you and your car are protected. Join us today and get the peace of mind you deserve.
Are you requesting a ride or driving yourself there? Let us look at which option is more economical between e-hailing and car ownership.
