EXPANSION CONTINUES: Uber’s Local Cab option launches in Lake District towns and Ipswich
Uber has today announced its Local Cab product is launching in THREE new towns and cities, enabling passengers in the areas to book a trip with a local taxi company via the Uber app for the first time.
Following a pilot of Local Cab earlier this year, which saw launches in six towns and cities across the UK, Uber is now extending the service to other areas of the country. The latest towns include Windermere and Kendal in the Lake District and also Ipswich in Suffolk.
Anyone opening the Uber app in any of the new regions will be presented with the Local Cab option, which connects them with a local taxi firm. Lakeside Taxis will service requests in the Lake District town and Hawk Express Cabs in Ipswich respectively.
Residents and visitors to Ipswich had not previously been able to book a ride via Uber, despite the app being opened almost 10,000 times per month.
In order to meet growing demand for trips and extend the use of its app beyond the 40 UK towns and cities in which it currently operates, Uber are continuing to look to work with local operators.
Uber’s app will integrate with Autocab’s iGo network, which the ride-hailing firm says has the potential to connect passengers with 80,000 private hire and taxi drivers in the UK. The Local Cab pilot marked the first time the two technology companies have worked together since Uber reached an agreement to acquire Autocab in August 2020.
Nigel Brett, Managing Director at Lakeside Taxis, said: “We’re proud to bring Local Cab to Windermere and Kendal. For anyone visiting Windermere or Kendal that already uses the Uber app, Local Cab will make it easy for them to book a ride with a local operator.”
Ash Kebriti, UK General Manager, Uber, said: “The Local Cab pilot has proved to be a success for local operators, riders and local economies. Local operators have seen increased demand for trips and are now actively recruiting new drivers, which is having a positive impact on the local economy. We are now excited to roll the product out to more towns and cities across the UK.”
