UberX has ended in South Africa. What can Gauteng riders use now?

If you used UberX to get around Joburg, Pretoria or the East Rand, you have probably noticed it is gone. Uber stopped its UberX service in South Africa on 1 September 2026. It was the everyday, lower-cost option most people used.

So what now? This guide keeps it simple. We look at what changed, what other options you have, and what to check before you trust any app with your ride.

What changed with Uber?

UberX ran in South Africa for more than ten years. It used regular cars, like a Toyota Corolla, for up to four people.

According to BusinessTech, Uber now offers four options in South Africa:

• Uber Go: smaller, cheaper cars.
• Uber Comfort: newer cars with more space.
• Uber Black: premium cars.
• Uber Reserve: book up to 90 days ahead.

So Uber has not left. But the ride many people knew best has changed.

What other e-hailing apps work in Gauteng?

Gauteng has more choice than ever. EWN reported in September 2026 that competition is growing. Bolt and inDrive are both big names. Local apps like Loop are also growing.

More choice is good for you. Apps have to work harder for your trip. But it also means you should compare before you pick one.

What to look for in any ride app

Here are five simple questions to ask. They work for any app, not just ours.

1. Do you see the full price before you book?

You should know what you will pay before the car comes. A price that "might change" is hard to plan around. Look for a fare that is worked out from the real route, with stops included.

2. Are the drivers properly checked?

Ask what the app checks before a driver can go online. Good apps check ID, a selfie, the driver's licence, the licence disc and a background check.

3. Can you share your trip?

You should be able to send a live link to a friend or family member. Even better if they can follow it without downloading anything.

4. Can you pay the way you want?

Not everyone wants to use a card. Cash should be an option. A wallet you can top up is useful too.

5. Is help easy to reach?

Look for an SOS button, a way to report a problem, and a real email address you can write to.

How Loop compares

We built Loop for Gauteng, and it works across the whole province, from Soshanguve to Sebokeng. We tried to answer "yes" to all five questions.

• Price first. You see your fare before you book. It is based on distance, time and any stops.
• Checked drivers. Every driver sends ID, a selfie, a driver's licence and licence disc, and passes a background check before going online.
• Share and track. Send a live tracking link on WhatsApp. The person does not need the app.
• Cash, card or wallet. Pick what works for you on each trip.
• We ride with you. Our team keeps an eye on every trip and acts fast if something doesn't look right.
• Book ahead. Schedule a ride for later, like an early flight or a big interview.

Loop runs in your phone's browser, so there is nothing big to download. You sign in with your phone number and a 6-digit code.

The bottom line

UberX is gone, but you still have good options in Gauteng. Try a few apps. Compare the price, the safety tools and the payment options. Then stick with the one that makes you feel safe and treats you fairly.

Want to see how Loop works? Read how e-hailing fares are worked out or our e-hailing safety tips.