Zebra Cabs

About Zebra Cabs

Zebra Cabs is a metered taxi operator based in Midrand, South Africa, positioning itself as a key player in the country's transportation sector with a distinct social enterprise model. Founded in 2011, the company was acquired by SA Taxi, the largest financier of minibus taxis in South Africa, in 2015. This acquisition was a strategic move by SA Taxi to expand into adjacent markets and leverage its expertise to revitalize the metered taxi industry.

The company's business model is centered on creating owner-drivers, a structure similar to franchising where individuals can own their vehicle and operate a small business under the Zebra Cabs banner. This initiative specifically targets economically disadvantaged South Africans who may lack the credit history required for traditional vehicle financing. Zebra Cabs facilitates this by treating the credit extension as a small business loan rather than a personal one, providing vehicle financing, mentorship, and technology to empower these entrepreneurs. Revenue is generated through taxi fares, with a model designed to help drivers become more profitable, thereby ensuring loan repayment.

Zebra Cabs provides a multi-faceted service to its clients. Customers can book rides through a mobile app available for iOS and Android, a traditional call center, a web portal, or by hailing a cab off the street. This hybrid approach caters to a wide customer base, including those in the cash-based economy, differentiating it from app-only competitors. The service accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile e-wallets. A significant part of its strategy involves partnerships with corporate clients in Johannesburg for their transport needs, securing a market segment where ride-sharing apps have less of a presence.

The company has made substantial investments in its fleet and technology. Following its acquisition, SA Taxi upgraded the fleet with vehicles equipped with modern amenities like GPS, Bluetooth, and external cameras for safety and efficiency. In late 2016, Zebra Cabs secured R300 million in funding from Futuregrowth Asset Management to expand its owner-driver scheme, with a primary focus on scaling operations in Johannesburg before expanding to other major cities like Cape Town and Durban.