Uber’s been given a license to operate – with 160 drivers – in neighboring Plymouth. Its recent launch in Norwich has been generating a huge amount of buzz. The decision has drawn scattered applause and harsh criticism from existing local taxi operators and would-be taxi users. Uber’s UK manager, Andrew Brem, confirmed the company’s expansion into Norwich, citing huge unmet demand as the primary reason for the decision. The formal launch happened on Wednesday. It attracted demand from thousands of residents looking to pre-reserve rides through the app weekly.
Local taxi companies would argue that they provide a much higher quality of service than Uber. A member of the local taxi company said Uber would “ruin the local marketplace.” Similar feelings were expressed in York, where after a six-year moratorium, Uber recently got granted a new operating licence. Taxi businesses in York have complained they are “already at breaking point” due to competition.
A student named Kyla Obryne shared her relief at having a safer transportation option, saying:
“It’s quite scary walking home at night, so it’ll be a lot better getting an Uber.” – Kyla Obryne
Jojo Royall added that Uber could be advantageous for students living on the outskirts of the city:
“I think it’s good for students who live on the outside of Norwich and have no other means of getting in” – Jojo Royall
The demand for Uber seems especially high during weekends, with Mohammed, a driver for the company, noting:
“It’s been really good so far, and I think we’ll be busy over the weekends. There’s a lot of demand for Uber, and it will be good for students, too” – Mohammed
Kierran Greaves from the Norwich Black Cabs Association believes there are already sufficient taxi services in the city:
“I don’t think there is a large unmet demand. You see a lot of private hire vehicles sitting around the city waiting for jobs” – Kierran Greaves
Nula Townsend, another resident, expressed her initial preference for local firms but acknowledged she might use Uber if no other options are available.
“I think I’ll try and use local firms when I can, but if they don’t have any drivers, I’ll try Uber instead” – Nula Townsend
The National Private Hire and Taxi Association offered a more nuanced view, recognizing both the challenges and opportunities presented by Uber’s expansion:
“It does offer drivers more choice of operators they can work for, and it offers the travelling public more choice” – National Private Hire and Taxi Association
