Uber says UberX will be discontinued across South Africa on September 1, as it simplifies its ride options. Riders will need to choose from the services available in their area, while drivers can continue operating on products for which their vehicles qualify.
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South African Uber users have only a few days left to use one of the platform’s most familiar ride options.
Earlier this year, IOL reported that Uber announced that it will phase out its UberX service from September, 1 2026, with notifications sent to users in Johannesburg. However, at the time, it remained unclear whether the change would be implemented in other parts of the country.
"We’re making an important update to how products are structured in your city. From 1 September 2026, UberX will no longer be available.
"Over time, we’ve discovered that many trips are completed by the same vehicles operating on Uber Go, UberX and Comfort," the company said earlier this year.
The company added that it is simplifying its product offering to create clearer categories that better reflect how riders choose trips and how drivers earn.
"We’re simplifying the product portfolio to create clearer categories that better reflect how riders choose and how drivers earn. This has made it harder for riders to see the difference between products, and harder for drivers with higher-spec vehicles to benefit from that difference."
Uber has confirmed that its UberX service will be discontinued across South Africa from 1 September 2026, bringing an end to the standard ride category after more than a decade on local roads.
For years, UberX has been one of the platform’s most widely used options, offering passengers a private ride for up to four people at an everyday price.
The company has stressed that drivers will still be able to operate on any product their vehicle qualifies for, including:
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