Uber, the popular ride-sharing service, continues to forge ahead in the UK private hire industry. Uber began operating in the UK in 2012. They now have over 100,000 drivers in the UK, serving 5 million passengers using the Uber app.
Cut to 2024, and Uber is present in over 60 locations across the country, with 3 more major UK cities announced in recent months. Like it or not, Uber has become a part of our everyday lifestyles. When asked, 26% of Brits said they had recently used the service, according to an Uber and Public First survey.
Uber launches in Hull, York and Aberdeen
In June this year, Uber launched in Hull, a move that’s been eagerly awaited by locals.
As reported in the Hull Daily Mail, the new launch will provide passengers with a greater range of transport options. The Mail reporter booked an Uber with ease using the Drive app, and matched with a highly-rated driver. Though at the time of writing Uber had only been available for a week, the driver said he was back to back with bookings.
Competition amongst private taxi drivers and Uber drivers should mean more options for getting around the city. As a result, service levels should increase as competition heats up among taxi providers. For private hire drivers in Hull, this could mean more opportunities to pick up passengers and earn money. Clearly, the driver and passenger demand is there.
York
In York, Uber has been given the green light to operate after a 6-year ban. Drivers will face limitations, such as not parking in hackney carriage parking spots, and not everyone is happy. Local cab drivers say they are already struggling, but Uber hopes to convert them and give them opportunities.
Aberdeen
In more good news for Uber, Aberdeen joined Glasgow and Edinburgh as the third Scottish city to allow its drivers. Recognising a lack of taxi provision in the city, Aberdeen hopes Uber can provide passengers in with more choice and greater safety. Uber wants to attract more taxi drivers in the city, says Matthew Freckleton, Head of Cities for Uber UK. He also stated that Uber hopes to encourage drivers from the existing pool of taxi drivers in the city.
In a survey carried out by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, 93% of respondents said they would welcome the ridesharing giant. More than three-quarters said it would encourage them to explore more of the city.
Uber had this to say:
“This decision will help boost earning opportunities for drivers, provide passengers with greater transport options across the city and support the local economy.
“All drivers will have access to industry leading worker rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through GMB Union.”
Uber is expected to begin operations in Aberdeen in late Summer of 2024.
With Dundee potentially to follow, Uber is showing no signs of slowing down its expansion across the UK.
What makes Uber so appealing to passengers?
One of the reasons Uber is so popular is its use of technology. According to the BBC (linked below), Uber uses smart algorithms to connect drivers with passengers quickly and efficiently. Passengers spend less time waiting for a ride, while drivers can earn more utilising shorter routes, and making more journeys. In fact, 89% of Uber passengers said convenience was the main reason they chose Uber.
Safety is another priority for Uber. They’ve implemented strict background checks and improved safety features in their app to ensure both passengers and drivers feel secure. These include hiding passenger phone numbers, phone alerts, greater transparency in the ratings system and 24/7 support for drivers.
Safety and trust are crucial for drivers who rely on Uber to make a living, allowing them to build trust with passengers and fellow drivers.
Will it all be plain sailing for the new Uber launches?
Concerns have been raised about Uber’s dominance in the market, with 26 objections to Uber’s re-introduction in Aberdeen. Critics worry that Uber could become too powerful and may not treat drivers fairly. Despite these concerns, many people believe that Uber’s presence actually helps drivers by creating more job opportunities and giving them flexibility in their work schedules.
Overall, Uber’s arrival in Hull, York and Aberdeen, and its innovative approach to transportation are changing the game for private hire drivers in these cities.
With improved technology, better safety measures, and increased competition, private hire drivers have more chances to earn money and provide reliable service to their passengers. As Uber continues to grow and adapt, it will be interesting to see how these changes affect the future of transportation in cities around the world.
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