Uber’s Local Cab Service Launches in More Areas but Still Divisive in the Industry

First piloted in Plymouth back in May of this year, Uber has been steadily launching their Local Cab feature in more and more areas across the UK. For some, the local cab feature has been welcomed. Customers have found they are now able to use their Uber app in areas previously inaccessible and some operators are welcome for the additional customer following a long 2 years. For others, Local Cab is a growing problem, damaging the industry. 

But first, what is Local Cab and how does it work? 

What is Uber’s Local Cab feature? 

The Local Cab feature has developed from Uber’s acquisition of Autocab earlier this year. When the Local Cab option is selected in the Uber app, customers are routed through Autocab’s iGo marketplace. This then matches them with a local operator who can conduct the journey. The booking is made with the local partner operator, but all details and payments are processed by Uber in-app. 

Where is the Local Cab feature available? 

The most recent locations to be added to Uber’s Local Cab feature are Blackburn, Norwich and Shrewsbury. Bookings made by the Local Cab feature will be fulfilled by: Shrewsbury Taxis in Shrewsbury; Canary Express Taxis in Norwich; and, City Taxis in Blackburn. The Local Cab feature is also available to people in Plymouth, Northampton, Cheltenham, Aylesbury, Exeter, Bedford, Oxford 

Muhammed Shakoor, Director at City Taxis in Blackburn, said in a statement: 

“We’re proud to bring Local Cab to the people of Blackburn. This provides another way for customers to book with us – and for anyone visiting Blackburn that already uses the Uber app, Local Cab will make it easy for them to book a ride with a local operator.” 

Director of Shrewsbury Taxis, Matt Young, commented saying: 

“We’re proud to bring Local Cab to the people of Shrewsbury. This provides another way for customers to book with us – and for anyone visiting Shrewsbury that already uses the Uber app, Local Cab will make it easy for them to book a ride with a local operator.” 
 
Nisar Ahmed, director at Canary Express Taxis, said:  

“We’re proud to bring Local Cab to the people of Norwich. This provides another way for customers to book with us – and for anyone visiting Norwich that already uses the Uber app, Local Cab will make it easy for them to book a ride with a local operator.” 

As you can probably tell, these statements all seem to have been copied verbatim from some kind of Uber press release advice. The reason for this is probably down to the divisive nature of the Local Cab feature in the industry. 

Why are people against Local Cab? 

In Oxford, one of the first areas to trial Local Cab, the feature was not well received. Speaking to the BBC, Tom Hayes, Oxford City Council’s Deputy Leader, said: 

“"The waters are murky, whether you define Uber as an operator or a platform provider," 

"We have not licensed Uber in the city. We haven't done that because we wanted to support the local taxi trade, whether that's private hire or Hackney." 

Mr Hayes also accused Uber of trying to enter the market ‘through the back door”. Neither Uber or 001 Taxis contacted the council prior to the launch. Oxford City Council’s legal team are reviewing their options. Protests were also carried out at Oxford Town Hall by drivers and operators unhappy about Uber encroaching in their area. You can watch footage of the protests here. 

It’s perhaps no surprise that Uber’s new feature is being met with such resistance. They were recently voted the most hated brand in both the UK and US. On top of this, people are still concerned about how Uber’s acquisition of Autocab is affecting the industry. 

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