April 10, 2026, Mauritius: Thousands of ride requests are being recorded every day – such is the scale of the enthusiasm generated by the “Taxi by ala-lila, powered by Uber” platform since its official launch on Wednesday, March 25.
Following two weeks of operation, Logidis, considered a pioneer in the mobility sector, confirms a very encouraging trend emerging from the available data. With hundreds of taxi drivers having signed up and hundreds more in the process, this positive trend is also reflected among licensed taxi drivers, thus demonstrating a genuine desire within the sector to set new standards of mobility in Mauritius.
Commenting on how operations have developed since the launch, Chief Operating Officer at Logidis, Yannis Fayd’herb, reveals that all key indicators are looking positive: “Whilst we are recording several thousand trip requests a day, we are also seeing an upward trend in the number of drivers. As proof of this, the most committed taxi drivers are completing dozens of trips per week. The figures reflecting this positive momentum thus demonstrate a genuine public demand for a simpler, more modern, and more accessible mobility solution in Mauritius.”
This strong enthusiasm from all stakeholders is also reassuring, given that drivers’ working habits have historically been very different. For many drivers, using a platform like Uber involves tangible changes to the way they work on a day-to-day basis. “Launching a mobility platform isn’t just about an app; it also relies on drivers’ ability to embrace a new tool, new working methods, and new service standards,” Yannis Fayd’herbe added.
Acknowledging that some users may have experienced longer waiting times, cancellations or even variations in service quality and coverage, the Logidis’ Chief Operating Officer reassures that “we take this feedback very seriously, and the Logidis teams are actively working on operational solutions to help improve the experience quickly. Our objective is clear: to upskill our existing drivers whilst enhancing the reliability of our platform.”
Figures set to rise
In an on-demand transport service, the quality of the customer experience depends directly on the number of active drivers, online and properly trained in the use of the technology.
The rapid onboarding of new drivers remains the top operational priority, as it enables Logidis to gradually reduce waiting times; improve geographical coverage; better handle peaks in demand; increase the ride acceptance rate; and ultimately provide a better user experience.
Although the current rate of driver sign-ups is encouraging, the Stakeholder Relations & Public Affairs Manager at Logidis Naden Padayachi says, “We are doing everything we can to maintain this pace so that the platform can reach its full potential. This is a fundamental undertaking that requires recruitment, training, on-the-ground monitoring, and a genuine focus on change management. Given that the drivers are keen to get on board, the challenge now is to support this transition through driver education so that the right usage habits are established in the long term.”
A model based on current regulations
Since its inception, some users have wondered why the Uber app is restricted to licensed taxi drivers. It is important to note that Uber adapts its model to the existing regulations in each country.
Indeed, in several countries such as Germany, Turkey and Japan, Uber operates through licensed taxi drivers or models managed by taxi operators, depending on the applicable legal framework.
In Mauritius, the laws governing passenger transport, particularly under the Road Traffic Act, only authorise this type of service through licensed taxi drivers (PSVL Licence). It is in this context that the ‘Taxi by ala-lila, powered by Uber’ platform operates exclusively with licensed taxi drivers, in accordance with the current regulatory framework.
This approach enables the gradual modernisation of the transport sector in Mauritius by matching supply and demand through technology used on a large scale worldwide.
Fares determined through market research
The fares currently applied on the ‘Taxi by ala-lila, powered by Uber’ platform are based on market research and have been set to remain in line with the price levels already charged by taxis in Mauritius.
Whilst the fare structure is based primarily on two factors – namely the distance travelled and the journey time – it is also important to note that cancellation fees may apply under certain conditions, in line with the platform’s standard operating procedures.
As with any new service, these fares are likely to evolve over time, based on usage data, feedback from the field, demand patterns, and the overall development of the service.
The aim remains to have a pricing model that is both understandable to users; consistent with the market; and sustainable for drivers.
Discounts and low commission fees to make the service more accessible
Since the launch, users have also been able to benefit from very substantial discounts, sometimes as much as 100 percent off certain trips. These promotions were introduced deliberately to support this start-up phase.
They serve several purposes: to enable as many people as possible to try out the platform; to accelerate adoption of the service; to support the launch phase; and, in some cases, to compensate for adjustments still being made on the ground.
During this ramp-up phase, it is important that users are able to discover the service under favourable conditions, whilst allowing the ecosystem the time it needs to fully flourish. At the same time, licensed taxi drivers are currently benefiting from an exceptional 1 percent commission fee for the first two months, a fee which will be capped to 10 percent for the rest of the first year. In addition, they are also entitled to weekly bonuses based on performance. Please note that the various promotional offers will continue to be communicated directly to users via the app and by email.
