EXETER UP NEXT: Uber launch ‘Local Cab’ in latest city as part of Autocab iGO integration
Ride-hailing firm Uber has announced Exeter as the latest city to pilot new product, ‘Local Cab’. The Local Cab product will enable passengers in the city to book a trip with two local cab companies via the Uber app.
Anyone opening the Uber app in Exeter will see the ‘Local Cab’ option which will connect passengers to taxi firms Apple Central Taxis and Need-A-Cab.
Despite the Uber app being opened as many as 25,000 times per month in Exeter, passengers have not previously been able to book a ride via the Uber app.
To meet this demand, and enable use of the app beyond the 40 towns and cities Uber currently operates in in the UK, Uber is looking to work with local operators across the country.
On 20 May, Uber first released the ‘Local Cab’ option in Plymouth connecting passengers to the taxi firm Need-A-Cab. Since then Local Cab has also launched in Oxford.
Uber’s app will integrate with Autocab’s iGo network, which the firm says has the potential to connect passengers with 80,000 private hire and taxi drivers in the UK. The Oxford pilot is the second time the two technology companies have worked together since Uber reached an agreement to acquire Autocab in August 2020.
Steve Screech, General Manager at Apple Central Taxis, said: “We’re delighted to be one of the first operators in the UK to pilot ‘Local Cab.’ This will give the people of Exeter another way to book with both Apple Central Taxis and Need-A-Cab Exeter.”
Dave McIntosh, Director at Need-A-Cab Exeter, added: “Anyone visiting Exeter, that already uses the Uber app, will now find it easy to book a ride with a local operator. With the boost in passengers, we will also be looking to welcome new drivers to the company.”
Ash Kebriti, UK General Manager, Uber, said: “Every month, we see thousands of people in towns and cities across the UK where we currently don’t operate open the Uber app and try to request a trip. Launching this pilot of Local Cab in Exeter is an exciting first step in connecting these riders with local operators so that eventually the Uber app can be used anywhere in the country.”
