Essential Pickup and Drop-Off Locations for E-Hailing Drivers in South Africa

As an e-hailing driver in South Africa, knowing the safest and most efficient locations for pickups and drop-offs is crucial. Whether you’re using Uber, Bolt, or any other e-hailing platform, avoiding problematic areas and understanding your surroundings can ensure a smoother experience for you and your passengers.

This guide combines key information about various locations nationwide, offering practical advice to help you navigate challenging spots. Prioritising safety and efficiency will improve your service and enhance customer satisfaction.

Locations for Pickups and Drop-offs

1. Bosman Station & Surrounding.
   • No Pickup or Drop-off
     • This area is often crowded and unsafe for e-hailing operations. It’s best to avoid pickups and drop-offs here entirely. See Bosman Station taxi rank.
2. Carlton Centre
   • Safe for Drop-offs, No Pickup
     • While drop-offs are generally safe at this landmark, it’s not advisable to pick up passengers here. Choose an alternative nearby location for pickups.
3. Hatfield Gautrain Station
   • Drop-off Only, No Pickup
     • This station is a popular destination, but pickups are not recommended. Ensure passengers are aware of this in advance.
4. Jabulani Mall
   • No Pickup or Drop-off
     • Avoid pickups and drop-offs at this mall for safety reasons. Suggest an alternative location for passengers.
5. Maponya Mall
   • No Pickup or Drop-off
     • Similar to Jabulani Mall, Maponya Mall is not suitable for pickups or drop-offs. Communicate with passengers to arrange a safer meeting point.
6. Protea Glen Mall
   • No Pickup or Drop-off
     • Avoid pickups and drop-offs at Protea Glen Mall. Have a backup location planned for passengers.
7. Eastgate Mall
   • Pickup and Drop-off Allowed
     • This mall is a safe and reliable location for both pickups and drop-offs.
8. Park Station (Entrance)
   • Safe for Drop-offs, No Pickup
     • Drop-offs at the Park Station entrance are safe, but pickups should be avoided. Direct passengers to a safer nearby location for pickups
9. Braamfontein Gate, 209 Smith Street
   • Pickup Location
     • Pickups are allowed here, but it’s important to inform clients about avoiding the nearby Youville area, which is unsuitable for pickups and drop-offs.
10. Youville Area
    • No Pickup or Drop-off
      • This area is a no-go zone for e-hailing drivers. Always direct passengers to safer nearby locations.
11. SunnyPark Mall, Sunnyside
    • No Pickup or Drop-off
      • This area is not suitable for e-hailing operations. Find an alternative location for your passengers.
12. Bloed Street, Pretoria CBD
    • Drop-off Only
      • While drop-offs are fine here, pickups should be avoided.
13. Southdale Mall
    • Drop-off Only (Inside Mall Perimeter)
      • Pickups inside the mall perimeter are unsafe. Opt for the Caltex Garage or another nearby location outside the mall for pickups. Avoid the taxi rank entirely.
14. Southgate Mall
    • Pickup and Drop-off Allowed (Entrance 3)
      • Entrance 3 is the ideal spot for pickups and drop-offs at this mall.
15. Nelson Mandela Square
    • Drop-off: Main Entrance
    • Pickup: West Street (Clinic)
      • While drop-offs at the main entrance are safe, pickups should be arranged at West Street near the clinic.
16. China Mall (Main Reef Road)
    • Pickup: Outside Mall Perimeter
      • For consistent service, pick up passengers outside the mall. The mall entrance can be unreliable for pickups.
17. O.R Tambo International Airport
    • Drop-off: Departures Level
    • Pickup: Lower Level 2 (Parkade 2E)
      • Direct passengers to the lower-level parkade for pickups. Drop-offs can be safely made upstairs at the departures area.
18. Lanseria Airport
    • Pickup and Drop-off Allowed
      • This airport is safe for pickups and drop-offs, making it a reliable location for e-hailing drivers.
19. Heidelberg
    • Avoid
      • This area is known for minibus taxi association patrol cars targeting e-hailing drivers for extortion. Avoid pickups and drop-offs here entirely.

Tips for E-Hailing Drivers

• Plan: Always research your destinations and inform passengers of potential restrictions.
• Communicate: Maintain open communication with passengers to ensure smooth operations and avoid confusion.
• Avoid No-Go Zones: For safety and efficiency, steer clear of areas known for challenges or unsafe conditions.

By familiarising yourself with these guidelines, you can navigate South Africa’s cities with confidence and provide a seamless, safe service.

If you have additional suggestions or experiences to share, leave a comment below.