I'm sure this is interesting enough if you haven't read a million similar articles over the years, but nothing particularly new here
And can't Uber come up with something less banal and vacuous than 'providing earnings opportunities for local drivers'?
About as insightful as saying a new Tesco store provides shopping opportunities for local people
Maybe Uber's emphasis is on the word 'local', thus trying to deflect from the claim that drivers from elsewhere are muscling in.
Which, predictably enough, the local drivers in the piece are claiming. But whether that's just because they're locally-plated cars working for Uber, or local drivers plating in the likes of Wolverhampton, isn't clear. But, of course, the pro- and anti-camps will portray it to suit their narrative.
And whether the job number claims are accurate or not is anyone's guess. You'd think that if most drivers lost 50% of their work then they'd disappear because their profit would drop a lot more than 50% because of fixed costs etc. Assuming there was actually any profit left
Uber in Ipswich: first year receives mixed reviews
https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/2558 ... d-reviews/
Uber's first year of operating under its own licence in Ipswich has been met with mixed reviews.
The San Francisco-based taxi-app entered Ipswich in 2021, as it partnered with Hawk Express to deliver private services across the town.
However, last year it was controversially given its own licence by Ipswich Borough Council to operate on it's own.
We spoke to the Uber, other taxi companies operating in Ipswich and residents of the town to find out how the first year has been.
What the competitors had to say
One driver, Mr Khairodin, said: "Since Uber came to Ipswich, my business has dropped a lot.
"This is my personal view, and it’s affected me by around 40%. I’ve noticed a big change in customer numbers and daily income.
"It’s been quite challenging to keep things going the same way as before"
Taxi driver, Mr Wahid, added: "In our small town, there are now too many drivers — many of them coming from other councils and cities to work here. Because of this, local taxi businesses are struggling to survive.
"In my opinion, the number of available jobs for local drivers has been reduced by around 50%.
"It’s not fair that drivers from outside our town are allowed to work here, as it takes away opportunities from local residents and makes it difficult for small businesses to continue operating"
What the customers are saying
The most common word used to describe Uber's Ipswich introduction was 'brilliant'.
Residents stated: "We only use Uber now! More reliable than the others around town and they actually turn up.
Others added: "I only use uber now, the tracking is great and they have very good prices too." and "I use Uber all the time. I find it very convenient and easy to use."
What the company is saying
An Uber spokesperson said: “Over the last year we've been delighted to help the people of Ipswich get where they need to go.
"We remain committed to providing everyone in Ipswich with a safe, affordable and easy service - Uber is also providing earning opportunities for local drivers."
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