Uber has welcomed the Competition Commission’s decision not to refer a complaint against it by the metered taxi industry to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution, says a Business Day report. Uber’s Samantha Allenberg said the company was pleased to see that the commission ‘has ensured that the public has access to a marketplace that thrives on innovation and change’.

In the complaint lodged with the commission, the metered taxi industry had claimed Uber operated unfairly ‘in that it secures partnerships with multinational firms and this gives it unparalleled access to the market’. Uber also misleads the public by its notion of job creation for drivers and does not comply with SA public rules and regulations, said the metered taxi industry.

It also complained that Uber flooded the market with vehicles because it did not have to comply with licensing and other public transport regulations. In addition, the metered taxi industry said Uber charged prices that were below costs. The report notes the metered taxi industry now has 20 business days to refer the complaint directly to the Tribunal if it disagrees with the commission’s decision.

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