Uber’s 'Local Cab' closes its doors in the UK as Autocab shifts focus to international market

Image credit: Uber

Uber has officially ended its 'Local Cab' offering in the UK, which allowed private hire operators to receive jobs through the Uber app.

As planned, the termination occurred on 11 December, putting an end to the partnership between Uber and Autocab's iGo network. The collaboration aimed to connect passengers with an extensive network of private hire and taxi drivers across the country.

The Local Cab service was introduced in more than 65 towns and cities in the UK since its pilot launch in May 2021. Autocab has announced that despite the termination in the UK, they plan to launch the product internationally. Autocab believes there is a more favourable market fit for Local Cab abroad and expects to announce initial partnerships for international expansion in the New Year, signaling a fresh chapter for the service.

In a November email addressed to operators, Autocab CEO Safa Alkateb assured them that the termination of Local Cab in the UK will not impact the service they receive in the future.

The Local Cab service was a unique, and initially controversial, collaboration between Uber and Autocab. Its goal was to enhance the accessibility and availability of private hire and taxi services for Uber users. While the program has come to an end in the UK, Autocab's international expansion plan suggests they still see value in the concept.