Uber, the popular on-demand transport service has completed 1,000,000,000 rides since its founding over 5 years ago. Using a mobile app, Uber lets you request for a clean and reliable ride, which is like a breath of fresh air in cities with failed taxi services.
The one billionth trip was taken in London on a Honda Insight Hybrid. To celebrate the occasion, the lucky rider is receiving a year’s worth of Uber rides, while the driver will be getting a well deserved holiday at a Uber city of his choice. Not bad for a short trip that only costs £5 (about RM32). To top it off, Uber is also making a charitable donation to an organisation at the neighbourhood where ride had started.
Despite its political and regulatory hurdles, Uber has been growing quite rapidly covering hundreds of cities in 68 countries worldwide. It is said that they are currently doing 3 million trips a day which is substantially more than its competitor, Lyft. While they are doing well in most markets, Uber is also facing bans and suspension by some local authority such as Spain and Germany.
Fortunately, it is still business as usual in Malaysia as it still operates in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. Despite protests by taxi drivers, SPAD (Land Transport Authority) has yet to implement new regulation for these new “ride-sharing” services. For riders, it is a better alternative to taxis without the hassle of haggling. At the same time, driving with Uber is an opportunity to make extra income which is more critical with the rising cost of living.
At the current rate, Uber isn’t slowing down and eventually it could possibly render car ownership redundant. Of course, this is only possible if it is extensive and affordable enough to do so. Already it is cheaper than most taxis and in some markets, it could be cheaper than taking a bus. Whatever regulation SPAD plans to enforce, we hope it would be beneficial to both consumers and the industry.
Would you consider taking Uber daily if it is cheaper than buying a car?
