‘LOCAL CAB’: Uber launches first UK pilot in Plymouth as Autocab iGO integration begins

Image credit: Uber

Uber has today announced a pilot of its new product, ‘Local cab’, which will enable passengers to book a trip with a local taxi company via the Uber app in Plymouth.

As part of the pilot, anyone opening the Uber app in Plymouth will now see the ‘Local cab’ option which will connect passengers to the taxi firm Need-A-Cab. Users of Uber will have to download the latest version of the app to be able to see the Local cab product.

The Local cab option will be the first time Autocab’s iGo network has been integrated onto the Uber platform since the two firms reached an acquisition agreement in August 2020.

According to sources, the integration has the potential to now connect passengers with 80,000 private hire and taxi drivers in the UK.

In Plymouth the Uber app has been opened as many as 16,500 times per month. The new feature will now allow passengers to book a ride in a local cab via the Uber app.

Uber are looking to work with local operators across the country to meet similar local demand, and enable use of the app beyond the 40 towns and cities Uber currently operates in in the UK.

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 Plymouth 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.”

Safa Alkateb, CEO of Autocab, said: “As well as benefiting passengers, this roll-out will make a huge difference to local operators like Need-A-Cab. The thousands of extra trips that come through the Uber app, using the ‘Local cab’ option, will present drivers with additional revenue and earning opportunities.”

Dave McIntosh at Need-A-Cab, said: “We’re delighted to be the first local operator in the UK to pilot ‘Local cab.’ This will give the people of Plymouth another way to book with Need-A-Cab – and anyone visiting the city, 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.”