Review: Secure Express

Secure Express is a small on-demand e-hailing app that operates in Johannesburg and Cape Town. I say small because it operates mainly in Jhb North, according to the company; I am not sure about CT.

The main sell here is the extra layer of safety as all vehicles are tracked using front-facing dual cameras like a dashcam and driver cam. All rides are tracked in real-time from a control room in Johannesburg.

The best way to confirm if Secure Express operates from your location is to download the app and put in your address.

The app does not work when you’re abroad; you need to give it access to your location, even if you put in an address back home. This means you cannot get a quote in advance unless you are ready to book in that moment.

I’ve had issues with Uber (not ending the trip, taking dodgy routes, etc) and I avoid taking them late at night. You just have to go onto social media to read numerous horror stories.

As for Bolt, I don’t have an account there. I deleted my account when it was still called Taxify, so not surprised that they permanently blocked over 6 000 drivers from their platform.

As a woman in South Africa who flies a lot, I needed to find another solution. I use e-hailing services when I am not parking at the airport.

For those who say they use Uber Black exclusively to feel a bit safer, the prices are in line with Secure Express. It is not cheap if you take the “secure” route, but if you are traveling in a group, it becomes more affordable when you split the ride costs.

It costs around R500 to get from Jhb North to OR Tambo Airport for the secure option, and around R350 for the fastest route.

Secure Express has an app for Android and iOS. It’s a very basic app without the bells and whistles, focusing on getting you from A to B. I wish they would let you get quotes by putting in your address even when you are not at that location, helps with planning.

Secure Express: My personal experience 

Ahead of a late night flight, I opened the app and realised it takes slightly longer for a driver to get to me, compared to Uber who is usually less than 5 minutes away. If I remember correctly, it took 17 minutes for the driver to get to me.

Before you accept the trip, you can see what the cost will be. You can track the driver is in real-time as he makes his way to you. As with most drivers, they will help you with your bags.

I also liked that they have WiFi, charging cables, tissues and sanitiser in the vehicle, which is offered to you. So apart from a secure ride offering, you also get another small conveniences. The WiFi was not working for me that evening, it appeared like the data needed to be topped up.

Also important to distinguish between Uber and Secure Express is that these are drivers hired and trained by the company. They are being paid as drivers to do this job, and in some way, this could add to that extra layer of security instead of a driver heading off in another direction because it’s his car and he can do what he wants.

I felt a lot safer using Secure Express because the whole sell is the vehicles are tracked in real-time. I accidentally hit the SOS button and received a call almost immediately. As you can see from the interface above. Once you are in the middle of a ride, you cannot go out of this view on the app, i.e. other menu items are not accessible.

I like that I have this option instead of Uber, where I don’t always feel safe. This is also why I always sit diagonally behind the driver so I can see both his hands at all times. Secure Express provided a professional service, which gave me that extra peace of mind. I felt like I could relax in the car and not be on constant alert like in an Uber.

According to their website, “Secure Drivers are bi-annually assessed, fully vetted and must pass our pre-employment training program in a range of skills such as hijack prevention, advanced driving, customer service and first aid.”

If you have been look for a safer option for (airport) rides, I would highly recommend Secure Express.