Uber in Mauritius: Divided Taxi Drivers
The introduction of the Ala-lila platform, linked to Uber, has ignited the taxi sector in Mauritius. Some drivers express their support for the service, while others denounce unfair competition and have turned to the courts. The launch of the Uber platform in Mauritius continues to spark intense debates among taxi drivers. Recently, a group of drivers gathered in Port-Louis to show their support for the app after nearly a month of use, while others, who are not registered on the platform, criticize the unfair competition and have sought legal action.
Supporters of the service are unequivocal: Uber has significantly transformed their professional lives, particularly by reversing the traditional logic of seeking passengers. Asraf Ramdin, the General Secretary of the General Taxi Owners Union (GTOU), summarizes this evolution by stating that the service has "transformed" taxi drivers' lives, as they no longer have to search for passengers but are now directly solicited by them.
"Taxi drivers who have opted for this service see their business thriving, and it is a win-win situation for both the public and taxi drivers," he asserts.
Revenue Doubled
According to him, some drivers have reportedly seen their revenue double or even quadruple within a single day. The platform also allows for fixed and transparent pricing, preventing clients from feeling "cheated by exorbitant prices that do not honor the taxi driver community."
On the ground, testimonies abound in the same vein. Irfaan Gopaul, a driver using the platform, explains that in the past, he had to physically go to a taxi stand to find clients. "Now, the work comes to me," he summarizes.
He also mentions the issue of empty trips, which were once common: "Before, when we took a fare from the taxi stand, we would return without a passenger to our original starting point. This is no longer the case. No matter where we are, we can be called to take another fare, and in no time, we can cover our costs in a day's work," he explains.
He highlights the pricing transparency offered by the app: "Through the app, prices are calculated in advance, which benefits both drivers and passengers."
Another driver, Ashven, mentions that, according to passenger feedback, they now prefer to be picked up directly from their homes rather than having to travel to a taxi stand.
"Unfair Competition"
This positive picture is far from unanimous. KaYee Leung, president of the Taxi Operators Welfare Fund, recently accompanied four drivers to a meeting with the Minister of Land Transport, Osman Mahomed. Acting as a spokesperson for colleagues not registered on the Ala-lila platform, which uses Uber technology, they denounce "unfair competition" that has reduced their earnings by nearly 50%. They demand that the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) prohibit access to airports and hotels for taxis without a fixed operating base.
In the judicial arena, a case involving Vengidasamy Naick Ganeshen and 242 other licensed taxi drivers against Logidis Ltd, the operator of the Ala-lila platform, as well as the NLTA, was brought before Judge Azam Neerooa on April 27, 2026. The complainants argue that several online transport platforms, including Uber, are operating without authorization. They are requesting a preliminary injunction to suspend their activities. The case has been postponed to May 6, 2026, at which time the NLTA is also expected to state its position.
In light of rising tensions, the government has established a ministerial committee comprising Anil Bachoo, Ajay Gunness, and Osman Mahomed to examine the situation and formulate recommendations. A first consultation meeting was held on April 29 at the Ministry of Land Transport.
On the GTOU side, Asraf Ramdin dismisses the criticisms, stating that those who oppose the app "don't know what they are talking about." He suggests that many drivers opposing the project are elderly and already receiving retirement pensions, implying that the requirement to declare their income to the MRA could explain their position. According to him, the platform will instead allow the NLTA to better regulate the sector.