Image: Tech Labari

In a landmark move for the Southern African mobility sector, Bolt has officially become the first major ride-hailing platform to register under South Africa’s newly implemented national transport regulations.

The National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR) issued Bolt South Africa its Certificate of Registration on 27 February 2026.

The move signals a shift toward a more formalized, “grown-up” e-hailing ecosystem in one of Africa’s most complex transport markets.

For years, the South African e-hailing industry has operated in a regulatory “grey area,” leading to friction with traditional taxi industries and concerns over passenger safety.

This registration:

• Solidifies legal standing: Formally recognizes e-hailing under a unified national framework.
• Sets a precedent: Puts pressure on competitors to follow suit or risk regulatory scrutiny.
• Enhances safety: Creates a more accountable environment through improved government oversight.

The new framework isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about modernization. The South African government aims to bridge the gap between digital innovation and public safety. By complying early, Bolt is positioning itself as the “safe bet” for both the state and the consumer.

“We have always welcomed the introduction of clear and progressive regulations… Receiving the Certificate of Registration is an important milestone not only for Bolt, but for the broader industry.” — Mrs. Fikile Nzuza-Chunga, Senior Public Policy Manager for Bolt South Africa.

Source: Tech Labari

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Councilwoman Nichole Coleman

Chair, Findlay’s Streets, Sidewalks and Parking Committee

OHIO, U.S.: Findlay’s Streets, Sidewalks and Parking Committee is asking the administration to revise the city’s proposed overhaul of taxi cab regulations after council members raised concerns about governance, clarity and future enforcement.

First introduced Jan. 20, the ordinance moved through two readings before council delivered a unanimous rebuke on Feb. 18, voting 0-9 to reject it, with Councilwoman Carol Smith, R-3, absent.

The rewrite is intended to modernize Findlay’s taxicab regulations for the first time since 1979, replacing the city’s decades-old framework with clearer licensing standards, updated safety requirements and a defined oversight process. The new chapter is designed to establish consistent rules for taxi companies and drivers, align the code with current administrative practices and clarify how the city handles background checks, insurance verification, operating standards and fee structures.

Officials say the goal is to produce a streamlined, workable system that supports legitimate operators and gives the city an updated set of tools to oversee the industry moving forward. However, council members have criticized the rewrite for vague language, uneven standards and a structure that placed too much control in the service-safety director’s hands.

After a detailed discussion in a meeting held Feb. 25, committee members laid out several changes they want mad to the ordinance before it goes back to council, including reinstating the city’s Taxi Cab Board. The committee is chaired by Councilwoman Nichole Coleman, R-1, with council members Smith and Brad Wagner, R-5.

The Taxi Cab Board is a small, three-member panel that appears in Findlay’s original 1979 taxicab ordinance but hasn’t been active in years. Under the old code, the board was responsible for reviewing applications, handling complaints and helping the city decide whether a company or driver should be licensed. It was made up of the mayor, the service safety director and the police chief, giving the city a built-in oversight group with input from both administration and law enforcement.

Although the board hasn’t met in decades, it technically still exists in the code — and committee members said bringing it back would restore a needed checkpoint in the licensing process.

Source: The Courier

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Judge Upholds New York City Congestion Pricing in Blow to Trump DOT

A federal judge upheld New York’s congestion pricing after the Trump administration tried ending the traffic toll program. On March 3, U.S. Judge Lewis J. Liman of the Southern District of New York sided with New York officials who sued federal transportation officials after seeking to terminate congestion pricing, first launched in early 2025.

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NYC Puts Tow Truck Operators on Notice following Gothamist Investigation

New York City consumer protection officials are putting hundreds of tow truck companies on notice, warning they’ll swiftly revoke licenses from operators that rip off drivers. The city Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has, since late February, sent warning letters to more than 300 tow truck companies that have licenses to operate in the five boroughs. The department on Tuesday also announced it filed an administrative petition against Instant Recovery, a tow truck company officials accused of routinely charging drivers illegal junk fees and illegally towing their cars.

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Federal Grants Drive Ferry Fleet Modernization

Passenger ferry operators across the United States are accelerating the shift toward hybrid-electric and fully electric propulsion, buoyed by millions of dollars in federal funding aimed at modernizing aging fleets, reducing emissions, and improving long-term financial sustainability. Executives currently operating hybrid and electric vessels, as well as those in the process of integrating them into their fleets, say the transition represents a significant opportunity — provided the U.S. commits to it.

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Blackfalds Town Council Passes Taxi Bylaw Amendment

At last week’s regular town council meeting on Feb. 24, council passed the amendment to reduce the 10-year Alberta driver’s abstract requirement to three years. This came to council because the town has been unable to issue a taxi business license to multiple drivers at a taxi company who came from outside of Canada, because the individuals hadn’t been driving in Alberta long enough. Administration explained that the bylaw had never been an issue previously because there had only been one taxi company operating in town.

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Translink Unveils Massive FIFA World Cup Public Transit Plan, Overhauls Skytrain Access for Match Days

With just 100 days remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Vancouver, TransLink has announced a sweeping expansion of public transit services designed to move hundreds of thousands of fans efficiently across Metro Vancouver while maintaining dependable service for residents. The public transit authority outlined a system-wide strategy that includes significant increases to bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express service during the four-week tournament.

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Ottawa’s Worst Commute: Para Transpo Users Say System Not Meeting Their Needs

David Humphries is waiting for Para Transpo. It’s a wait he knows well. On this day, he’s travelling from Somerset West to Bank Street to run a quick errand for a gala he’s planning. The task itself will take about 10 minutes. The round trip? Roughly two hours.

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England: Women-Led Taxi Service Launches on Teesside - Creating Jobs around Mums' Busy Schedules

A new women-led taxi service has launched on Teesside. Monroe says its mission is to increase the number of female cabbies in the region while creating jobs for mums that will fit around their busy schedules. Launched by Martyna Kalarikkal, Monroe is operating under licences granted by Middlesbrough Council and Stockton Council and currently has eight female drivers. The 26-year-old Teessider says she also wanted to reduce anxiety for women getting a taxi home after a night out - while also catering for male customers too.

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Oxa’s Pivot Away from On-Road AVs Could Be Paying Off

Oxford University autonomous driving spin-out Oxa has raised US$103m in a Series D round backed by Nvidia’s venture arm NVentures, the UK government’s National Wealth Fund, which committed US$50m, and existing shareholders including BP Ventures, IP Group and Ocado Group. The funding is arguably a validation of its pivot away from consumer autonomous vehicles towards industrial and commercial vehicle applications. 

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Bristol Bets on Sustainable Air Mobility to Reinvent Tourism

Bristol is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable air mobility, with hydrogen refuelling trials, electric aircraft ecosystems and emerging air taxi technology set to reshape how visitors arrive in and explore the West Country.

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Singapore: Two of Three Autonomous Shuttle Routes in Punggol to Open for Public Rides from April 1

Autonomous shuttle services in Punggol will commence public rides from April 1, starting with routes 1 and 3 operated by Grab, announced Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow.

Siow, who is also Senior Minister of State for Finance, made the announcement at the Ministry of Transport's (MOT) Committee of Supply debate on Wednesday (March 4).

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China's WeRide Suspends Robotaxi Fleet in Dubai as Iran Conflict Widens

Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide has suspended its robotaxi fleet in Dubai as the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran roiled key Middle Eastern hubs that have emerged as the robotaxi industry's most promising markets. Chinese robotaxi firms have flocked to the Gulf over recent years as one of their first overseas expansion outposts, attracted by a friendly regulatory environment and robust demand for ride-hailing services.

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“Calling a Taxi via Mobile Phone and Soaring into the Sky” Is Already a Reality

The eVTOL model has placed urban air mobility in the same mental space as ride-hailing apps today: something you order on your phone and that arrives in minutes. The difference is that, here, the "point" can be a park or a condominium provided that there are rules, infrastructure, and security measures in place for it.

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Image: VNA

Hanoi aims to convert 100% of its petrol- and diesel-powered taxis to electric and green-energy vehicles by 2030 under a plan issued by the municipal People’s Committee on February 27.

The roadmap outlines specific targets for 2026–2030. The share of taxis using electric and green energy is expected to reach 63–64% in 2026, 68–70% in 2027, 74–77% in 2028, 88–96% in 2029, and 100% by 2030.

Between 2026 and 2030, the city will finalise mechanisms and policies to support taxi operators in switching from fossil fuels to clean energy. Communications campaigns will be intensified to build public consensus, while the construction of charging stations at taxi parking areas will be accelerated.

After 2030, Hanoi will focus on maintaining stable operations of electric and green energy-fueled taxis, prioritising access to charging infrastructure, pick-up and drop-off points, and traffic arrangements suited to clean-energy vehicles.

Relevant departments will review and adjust regulations on charging station planning, power grid connectivity, parking and stopping points, and the application of management technologies in line with technological advances and practical demand. The goal is to optimise operational efficiency while ensuring safe, convenient services consistent with the capital’s sustainable urban transport strategy.

Source: Vietnam Pictorial

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