Thought this was maybe just the usual Uber launch advertorial, but some interesting bits and pieces
Not clear precisely what's going on, though - there's no spiel from Uber, and it's not entirely clear precisely what 'Uber officially arrives' means
But as usual local 'business leaders' and the like seem to think they'll magic drivers up out of nowhere, as opposed to the reality. Of course, they could well magic up drivers cross-border or recruit some local cars, but I wouldn't imagine either of those avenues would be particularly easy in the likes of places like this.
Uber officially arrives in Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston
https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/24908629 ... ulverston/
The global transportation company Uber has officially arrived in Cumbria.
Since its foundation in 2009, the US-based company has become a mainstay in most major cities around the world, and is currently available in over 70 countries and 10,000 cities.
However, the rural nature of Cumbria has meant that Uber has previously been unavailable across the region, with locals and tourists forced to rely upon more traditional modes of transport or local taxi firms.
In 2021, it was announced that in Windermere and Kendal, Uber users could book a local cab through the Uber app, but the taxis themselves wouldn't be available.
Meanwhile, in 2023, 'Appy Cabs' was launched in Barrow-in-Furness to fill a gap in the taxi market.
It has now emerged that Uber is available in both Barrow and Ulverston. Whether the global app becomes the new norm for customers in Cumbria, or they stick with local firms, remains to be seen.
The Mail contacted Uber for comment.
Suzanne Caldwell of Cumbria Chamber said: "The arrival of Uber was I suppose inevitable. To be honest I’m not sure whether it’s a good or a bad thing – there are a number of pros and cons. Certainly many people find Uber really convenient, especially if they’re used to using it elsewhere.
"Anecdotally, there does seem to have been some reduction in availability of taxis so if this increases the numbers then that should be a good thing for users - but there’s also the impact on existing local businesses to consider.
Readers have reacted to the news that Uber has now arrived in Barrow and Ulverston, with mixed views on the matter.
One commenter said: "About time, really difficult to get taxis that actually turn up every time we visit."
Another said: "Local taxis charges are unbelievable. So this is great."
One commented: "Taxis around Barrow are a joke. They either don't show or cancel on you. They also don't seem to grasp that if you book a taxi for a specific time. They need to be there or it's pointless making to booking in the first place."
However, not all the locals were keen on the idea of the global company potentially monopolising taxis in Cumbria.
One popular comment wrote: "Doing local lads out off a job no it not a good idea."
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