Uber ready to roll everywhere

The company operates in major centres such as Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. It controversially had its taxis impounded in Cape Town recently for failing to adhere to local regulations.

The company, which aims to create 15000 jobs within two years, says its goal is to offer the Uber platform everywhere.

But "when we decide to launch in a city we first look at a number of factors".

These include smartphone penetration and network quality, the supply of vehicles that will fit the Uber brand and the real opportunity to give passengers and drivers more choice.

"We are always exploring new ways we can optimise or expand our offering, while maintaining the highest level of safety, quality and reliability," says Alon Lits, GM of Uber Johannesburg and Durban.

The company says that since its arrival in SA in 2013, the uptake has been "incredible".

It has created over 2000 jobs across the country since launching.

Lits says Uber is fundamentally changing the way people are moving around their cities and, for the first time, creating a viable, cheaper and more efficient alternative to vehicle ownership.

"This means more riders, more partner-drivers, and loads more jobs," says Lits.

Despite resistance to its presence, Lits says existing transport operators and drivers are partnering with Uber as a means of growing their own business offerings.

Source: Financial Mail