If you missed the strikes by Spanish licensed taxis in July this year, or like many you have no idea what an Uber actually is, you might not be aware that there is a new taxi service in San Pedro town.
Uber has been growing exponentially across the globe for a few years now, causing consternation in certain places (see black cabs in London) and a great appreciation in others (see people who think they are good for the planet and those that like paying a cheaper fare).
If you have an adversity to mobile phones then this won’t be the taxi for you and you should stick with the local San Pedro taxi firms who have always provided an efficient, quick and friendly service.
However those who believe in the ‘sharing economy’ and know their way around a smart phone will find Uber to be a brilliant and innovative business idea, and a service that is very easy to use.
In general terms Uber provides an opportunity for suitable people with a driving licence to earn money from providing taxi services. Taxis are ordered via your mobile phone using a clear and simple app that shows users exactly where available taxis are in their area, and how much the intended trip will cost.
For safety reasons drivers and passengers have digital accounts that receive reports of unpleasant behavior from either party, and customers are able to view a photograph of the expected driver before they are collected.
The company is environmentally friendly as drivers do not go out of their way for a pick up as the Uber app matches a customer with a nearby driver, and there is also the ability to share a ride with others who are going in the same direction.
Uber is often much cheaper than the rates charged by traditional cab firms and the service is particularly helpful for foreigners in San Pedro who can now book a taxi without actually speaking Spanish.
About Uber
Uber Technologies Inc. is a peer-to-peer ridesharing, taxi cab, food delivery, bicycle-sharing, and transportation network company based in California, USA. The company has operations in 785 metropolitan areas around the world and the mobile taxi app can be downloaded from the Uber website.
www.uber.com