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Some Yango taxi drivers in Zambia have been accused of extorting customers by charging fares higher than those set by the official Yango platform, according to two consumer rights organisations.
The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) and the Commuter Rights Association of Zambia (CRAZ) said they have received numerous complaints from commuters alleging that Yango drivers were demanding additional payments beyond the app’s fare.
In a joint statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, ZACA Executive Secretary Juba Sakala and CRAZ Chairperson Aaron Kamuti called for immediate action to halt the illegal practice.
“It has come to our attention that some Yango drivers are demanding higher fares than those displayed and charged by the official Yango system,” the statement read.
They described the conduct as a form of extortion, violating both consumer rights and fair business practices.
“Once a fare is set by the digital platform and accepted by both parties, it becomes a binding agreement. Any additional or unauthorised charges by the driver are illegal, unethical, and unacceptable,” they stated.
The organisations urged the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and Yango Zambia to urgently investigate and stop the exploitative behaviour.
“Consumers must be protected from unfair treatment, especially in the expanding digital transport sector,” they said, warning that drivers who find the system unprofitable should consider returning to traditional business models.
ZACA and CRAZ expressed their willingness to collaborate with regulators and service providers to promote transparency, accountability, and commuter rights.
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