The outcry in different parts of the globe that Uber cabs are driving other taxi operators out of business is fierce and considerable. From Kenya to France, Nigeria, London and New York, taxi operators are worried about the dominance of Uber.
Uber was established in 2009 and today it is 60 countries and 300 cities. Uber has no doubt challenged the taxi industry and it is tacitly too late to apply the brakes according to the Guardian, UK.
Interestingly, Uber which is being revolted against in different parts of the world does not employ drivers or own vehicles but uses non-professionally licensed contractors who own cars to offer the service. These drivers simply download the Uber app.
In Kenya, traditional taxi drivers have been threatening and intimidating Uber drivers. In fact, two suspects were arrested for allegedly attacking an Uber driver in Nairobi. Nevertheless, Uber is a force to reckon in the taxi industry and they do not seem to be slowing down in the near future. Here are some reasons why Uber will continue to dominate and flourish.
Stylish, classy and trendy
Before any driver is admitted into the Uber family, the vehicle must be elegant, luxurious and sporty. This will make it attractive to the business executive or an individual. Compare these Uber cabs to the everyday taxi. The everyday taxi is rickety, and oftentimes has an odious smell which may put-off potential passengers. Also, it has a high tendency of breaking down on the road. Uber has brought professionalism into taxi driving.
Convenient
If you need a cab, you simply download the app, enter the necessary details and the closest cab to your location will immediately respond to your request. You do not need to leave the comfort of your home to flag a cab. Uber has drastically reduced the stress of searching for a cab.
The App
The Uber app is perhaps the strength of Uber that is giving the traditional taxi drivers sleepless night. The taxi drivers do not have an app but they rely solely on being called to pick up passengers or flagged down. Fortunately, many people now use smartphones and they can easily download the app on their android phones.
Moderate Charges
It is an undeniable fact that taxi drivers charge indiscriminately. They do not have a structured price charging model. They have repeatedly accused Uber of undercutting fares and causing them to lose business. This may be true but this doesn’t stop them from having a pricing model.
According to BusinessdailyAfrica, Uber’s pricing policy is hinged on a metering gauge that charges users for every kilometre covered-meaning every trip is openly priced, removing the need for negotiating each trip”.
Creating much-needed jobs and well-regulated
For you to be an Uber cab operator, you need a very good car and an android phone for the app. No interview. In addition to this, you must know your way around the city. Hence, it should not surprise anyone when the traditional taxi operators decide to join the ubernization movement sweeping the world. This said, these cabs are well regulated. Any misbehaviour is thoroughly addressed by terminating the relationship between Uber and the offender. If a taxi driver is accused of misconduct, who do you report to?
