Tag Archives: Uber

US Government Files Lawsuit Against Uber for Alleged Discrimination Against Disabled Passengers

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On Thursday, the U.S. government filed a lawsuit against Uber, alleging that the ride-sharing service has breached federal laws by discriminating against passengers with disabilities.

The complaint, submitted in federal court in San Francisco, claims that Uber drivers frequently refuse to transport disabled riders, including those accompanied by service animals or using wheelchairs.

Additionally, the department stated that Uber and its drivers unlawfully impose cleaning fees for service animals on riders denied service and also charge cancellation fees.

Some drivers are reportedly dismissing legitimate requests, such as humiliating persons with disabilities or preventing passengers with mobility challenges from sitting in the front seats.

According to the Justice Department, “Uber’s discriminatory actions have inflicted significant financial, emotional, and physical harm on individuals with disabilities,” violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In response, Uber stated that it disputes the allegations and is dedicated to enhancing access and the overall experience for riders with disabilities.

Uber further asserts that riders utilizing guide dogs or requiring other assistance “deserve a safe, respectful, and welcoming experience with Uber. A complete stop.”

The complaint outlines 17 instances of alleged misconduct involving Uber.

One instance involves JE, a seven-year-old amputee from the Bronx, New York, who reportedly faced refusal from an Uber driver after attending his brother’s birthday party due to his wheelchair.

Another case highlights Jason Ludwig, a Gulf War veteran with a service dog, who was denied a ride to Norfolk Airport in Virginia, causing him to miss his flight and return to Yarmouth, Massachusetts, after 16 hours of travel.

Jeff Clark, a third rider from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, claims that four drivers canceled their ride in Philadelphia within 17 minutes.

The lawsuit aims for an injunction to prevent further violations of the ADA, along with demands for improvements in Uber’s practices and training, financial compensation, and civil penalties.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice was not available for immediate comment.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Uber Challenges UK Supreme Court Decision on Taxes Affecting Private Employment Competitors

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Taxi operators competing with Uber are now exempt from paying 20% VAT on their earnings outside London, following a ruling from the UK Supreme Court in a long-running case.

The court determined that the private employer would not establish a contract with passengers, thereby rejecting Uber’s appeal. This decision was celebrated by the private employer as a “sector victory” after three years of legal challenges.

Uber initiated legal action after a 2021 Supreme Court ruling declared that the driver was classified as a worker.

The company sought a declaration asserting that a privately employed taxi operator had entered into a contract with passengers, a claim supported by the London High Court in 2023.

Initially, that decision required operators to pay a 20% VAT, but the Court of Appeals overturned this after Delta Taxi and Veezu challenged it last July.

Uber brought the issue to the Supreme Court, which unanimously dismissed the case involving the US company on Tuesday.

Nia Cooper, Chief Legal Officer at Veezu, remarked: “This ruling is a triumph for the UK’s private employment sector. The unanimous decision concludes a three-year legal struggle and affirms that operators can select the business models they wish to adopt.”

She added that the outcome would shield passengers from potential fare hikes and lessen the pressure on licensing authorities. “Uber aimed for a declaration that a 20% VAT would be imposed on all PHV fares,” she stated.

“This ruling also illustrates that UK-based companies can stand firm against global conglomerates that attempt to sway the sector through litigation to suit their business frameworks.”

An Uber representative replied, “The Supreme Court’s ruling confirms that different contractual protections apply to individuals booking rides in London compared to the rest of England and Wales. This ruling does not affect Uber’s VAT, which has been upheld in two previous court decisions.”

In a related matter this year, Estonian mobility and delivery startup Volt successfully contested a claim by the UK tax authorities, HMRC, regarding a 20% VAT obligation.

HMRC has since been granted permission by the Court of Appeal to appeal a ruling stating that Bolt is only accountable for VAT on the margin, not on the full fare of the trip.

Source: www.theguardian.com

UK Uber Drivers Face Reduced Earnings Due to Secret Algorithm Changes

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A significant number of Uber drivers have reported earning “considerably less” per hour since the introduction of the “dynamic pricing” algorithm by the ride-hailing app in 2023.

This conclusion emerged from a study released on Thursday by researchers at Oxford University, who examined data from 258 Uber drivers across the UK, accounting for 1.5 million trips.

Following a 20% reduction in fixed fare cuts in the UK, Uber launched dynamic pricing in 2023. This algorithm varies passenger ride prices and fare payments in numerous ways, evolving from Uber’s previous “surge pricing” model that raised prices during peak demand.

Researchers discovered that Uber currently claims a fare reduction of 29% or “acquisition rate,” which in some cases has exceeded 50%.

The union criticized this initiative, stating in 2023 that it lacked transparency and could degrade working conditions by profiling drivers based on their acceptance of lower fares.

According to the Oxford survey, “With the introduction of dynamic pricing, Uber riders now face higher fares, yet drivers do not benefit.”

The research was conducted in partnership with the non-profit gig worker organization, Worker Information Exchange (WIE). “Our results indicate that many aspects of Uber driver employment have worsened following the dynamic pricing rollout.”

The median take rate per driver has risen from 25% to 29%, with some trips exceeding 50%. Additionally, these higher take rates are predominantly observed among higher-income brackets. On average, many drivers are making significantly less per hour from their labor.

These findings come amidst various controversies involving tech companies, including a pivotal 2021 UK Supreme Court ruling affirming that Uber drivers are entitled to minimum wage and paid leave.

After the Uber Files were published, Jill Hazelbaker, Uber’s Vice President of Public Relations, stated:

The Oxford research also noted that the average hourly wage for a driver stands at £29.46. However, this drops to £15.98 when factoring in wait times, as defined by Uber, or the moments drivers are available for passenger pickups. Neither of these averages accounts for vehicle upkeep, insurance, fuel, or other expenses.

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Uber responded, stating it “does not recognize the figures in this report,” emphasizing that “all drivers are assured a minimum national living wage.”

One participant in the survey remarked, “It feels like Uber is taking away our clients and opportunities.”

An Uber representative affirmed, “UBU drivers garnered more than £1 billion in earnings from January to March of this year, surpassing previous years. Drivers have the freedom to choose to drive with Uber.”

“Every driver receives a weekly earnings summary, detailing what Uber and the drivers have made from their rides. Many drivers take pride in their choice to drive for Uber, especially as passenger demand and travel continue to increase.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Uber to Launch Self-Driving Taxis in London Courts Next Spring

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The autonomous Uber is set to hit the roads of London next year, following the government’s announcement that a trial for fully self-driving vehicles will commence in spring 2026.

For the first time in Europe, companies will be allowed to operate publicly, with human safety drivers permitted to oversee “bus-like” service pilots from the driver’s seat or onboard.

Uber is teaming up with UK tech company Wayve to trial taxis that can be booked through the app in the capital, marking a significant step in the largest European market.

A broader rollout of self-driving taxis, or Robotaxis, is anticipated after the full implementation of automated vehicle laws in late 2027.

The UK is accelerating its efforts, as unmanned taxis have already been established in numerous cities across San Francisco, USA, and China. Earlier this year, Uber launched its first unmanned taxi in Austin, Texas, in collaboration with Waymo. Meanwhile, Tesla also plans to introduce autonomous services for its competitors this month.

The Department of Transport (DfT) has stated that if the technology enhances road safety, it could generate 38,000 jobs and create a £42 billion industry by 2035.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander remarked: “The future of transportation is on the horizon. Self-driving cars can create jobs, attract investments, and provide opportunities for the UK to become a leader in new technology.”

“With road safety at the core of the pilot and the legislation, we are committed to taking bold steps to foster job creation, advance innovation, and facilitate transformative plans in the UK industry.”

The DfT emphasized that autonomous vehicles could enhance transport options for millions, especially by offering new public transport solutions in rural areas to those unable to drive.

Thanks to technology from Wayve and fellow UK company Oxa (formerly Oxbotica), self-driving vehicles have been under development for over a decade. However, during all road tests for cars and buses, safety drivers have been present to assume control if necessary.

The Automated Vehicle Act mandates that self-driving vehicles must be approved following thorough testing.

Our earlier commitment to launching Robotaxis in London has yet to realize. The unmanned bus service started in Edinburgh in 2023 has been halted due to a lack of ridership.

Nonetheless, automated taxi services in the U.S. are currently conducting hundreds of thousands of paid rides, although progress has not been without challenges. General Motors has abandoned its autonomous service plans after several incidents, including ones that led to severe injuries for pedestrians. Early indications, however, suggest that self-driving taxis are safer, and some users, particularly women, prefer to use unmanned services.

Wayve co-founder and CEO Alex Kendall stated that accelerated testing will position the UK as a leader in fully autonomous vehicles, adding, “These initial pilots will help establish public confidence and unlock new job opportunities, services, and markets.”

“We are excited about what the future holds,” said Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa. “Clear regulations will open up the market and encourage transport companies to embrace the advantages of self-driving cars across the nation. Today’s announcement signifies that the UK is prepared for this technology.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

At LAX, the Uber Driver Waits. And Waits. And Waits.

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Early on a recent Tuesday morning, hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers gathered outside Los Angeles International Airport, forming a line that wrapped around the block as dawn broke. The waiting began at 5am.

Shortly, the line of cars would make its way into a fenced parking area located a mile from the arrival terminal, officially known as the Transportation Network Company staging area. Drivers refer to it as a “pen,” waiting for passengers to disembark from their flights.

Once a lucrative spot for rides, this area now sees very few vehicles picking up fares. Veronica Hernandez, 50, parked her white Chevy Malibu at 5:26am and opened the Lyft app for her queue position: 156th. Nearly an hour and a half would pass before she got her first ride.

“Some days are great; others are not,” Hernandez said, scrolling through her app’s revenue report for the week: $205, $245, $179. “Fingers crossed for a good day.”

Like many drivers nationwide, Hernandez has experienced a noticeable decline in income in recent years, even as demand for rides appears higher than ever. Many gig workers have already ceased operations due to rising costs for gas and car insurance. These challenges, while less symbolic than LAX, reflect a tough environment for gig workers to thrive.

“This used to be a genuine way to earn a living,” Hernandez lamented. “Now, it barely keeps you afloat.”

In the early days of app-based services like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash, a flood of people signed on as drivers. The allure of earning money by driving at their own convenience captivated everyone from seasoned drivers seeking extra work to individuals escaping the 9-to-5 grind.

The premise was that drivers operate as independent contractors, bearing their own expenses without health insurance or other employee benefits while enjoying flexible hours without needing to sign up for shifts.

Initially, earnings were robust, with drivers frequently taking home substantial weekly incomes as Uber and Lyft prioritized growth over profitability, incurring billion-dollar losses. After going public, the focus shifted to profitability, resulting in reduced wages.

Today, many drivers are struggling, with total earnings lagging behind inflation. Last year, Uber drivers reported an average weekly revenue of $513, marking a 3.4% decrease from the previous year, despite working an average of over six minutes per trip, according to Gridwise, an app that helps drivers track their income. In Los Angeles, Uber’s average hourly profit margin has dropped by 21% since 2021, according to the same source.

In 2019, LAX implemented a new system to alleviate heavy traffic at the arrivals terminal. Instead of curbside pickups by Uber and Lyft drivers, passengers must walk up to 20 minutes to designated pick-up points near Terminal 1. Unfortunately, this change often goes unnoticed by passengers.

That morning, the atmosphere was grim, marked by the odor of port-a-potties and vehicles parked for hours. Drivers awaited “unicorn” rides, which would pay a reasonable rate of over $1.50 per mile.

By 10am, chaos engulfed the pen. Around 300 drivers were in a virtual queue vying for approximately 200 available spots in the parking lot. Consequently, new arrivals often had to leave the lot to pick up passengers, resulting in blocked cars and the sound of shouting competing with the growl of jets flying overhead every two minutes.

Sergio Avedan, a gig driver and founder of Ride Hailing Blog The ride-sharing man, settled into the pen at 10:36am on that Tuesday. After reaching the parking lot, he checked his queue position: 256th.

When he glanced at the Uber and Lyft apps, rides appeared but were often rejected by other drivers ahead of him. The payouts were dismal: $9.87 for a 13-mile trip, $19.97 for a 25-mile trip. He turned them all down.

“We call this ‘reclining with decency’,” Avedan remarked as he reclined his seat back.

To pass the time, some drivers smoked or played cards, while others napped in their vehicles or watched YouTube videos. Many scoured for phone chargers and cleaning supplies for their cars, leading to occasional tension among different groups as competition for rides intensified, sometimes splitting along racial lines.

An alternate economy flourishes within the pen to support the drivers. Outside the parking area, a taco truck offers food, while inside, some venders sell homemade Chinese cuisine from their car trunks, exchanging bowls of wonton soup for cash.

Frustrations have led some drivers to express their anger by scribbling messages on the walls of the port-a-potties, blaming Uber and its executives for their plummeting earnings, especially after being unexpectedly locked out of their accounts.

Rif Andrius, who sat in the back of his Toyota Sienna, refreshed the Uber app while smoking. The 57-year-old Iranian driver reported earning around $3,000 weekly before Uber’s operational costs surged during the pandemic, but that figure has sharply declined. Checking his latest weekly earnings, he saw amounts of $1,670, $1,700, and $1,053.

“I’ve got to provide for my family,” said Andrius, who has a wife and daughter. “Now, I can’t manage it.”

The New York Times reached out to Uber regarding the operating conditions at LAX in 2023, to which the company acknowledged the ongoing challenges. Yet, little has changed since that inquiry.

Uber stated that multiple factors are influencing the decline in earnings. In Los Angeles, the percentage of fares retained by the company hasn’t increased, while liability insurance costs have soared, currently making up 43% of rider fares, per the company’s data.

The company also indicated that ride demand at the airport has significantly decreased amid the introduction of a new $4 surcharge for LAX drivers.

LAX’s public relations department did not respond to our requests for comments.

Lyft spokesperson CJ Macklin mentioned that discussions are ongoing with LAX to create a new holding lot for ride-share drivers as part of the airport’s $5.5 billion renovation plan, which includes light rail connections between terminals aimed at alleviating traffic.

“In a year, LAX will look entirely different. I’m looking forward to providing smoother and faster experiences for drivers, riders, and the whole city,” stated Uber spokesperson Meghan Casserly.

However, many drivers felt weighed down by the current system. Even when a seemingly decent ride request came through, the frustration of waiting hours tended to sap their motivation.

“There are drivers who are entirely unaware of what they’re doing. They get passengers and say they’re going to take them somewhere, but they don’t even know the details,” lamented Pablo Gomez, an Uber driver who regularly works at LAX. “They drop passengers off and just go along with the flow without a clue as to why.”

Drivers like Avedan and Gomez are investing time to mentor their peers, sharing strategies to optimize earnings. Nevertheless, Gomez empathizes with those who continually chase elusive fares, comparing it to gambling.

“Wasting time feeds into an addict’s mentality. You’re forever chasing that ride, hoping for a big win,” he admitted.

As the pen closed at 2am, some drivers began searching for parking in surrounding neighborhoods, preparing to sleep in their cars until the lot reopened at 5am.

At 11pm Tuesday, Hernandez was perched on the hood of a car when ride requests dribbled in. She noted offers popping up on her phone tagged for two passengers ages 25 and 26. In the gaps between rides, she anxiously scanned her emails, hoping for responses regarding job applications submitted to a doctor’s office and a warehouse.

Eventually, a ride came through that would take her near her home in Montebello, a 50-minute drive east. Although the fare was only $28 for a 27-mile trip—far from the ideal “unicorn” ride she was after—she accepted it.

“It’s not the best rate,” she acknowledged. “But you need to make it worthwhile.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Uber Sees 14% Revenue Growth Despite Financial Concerns

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Uber seems to be boosting the global economy, despite concerns that consumers are moving away from vehicle use and delivery services.

The company announced on Wednesday that its revenue reached $11.5 billion in the last quarter. This marks a 14% increase from the previous year, slightly below what Wall Street analysts anticipated. Total bookings also climbed 14% to $42.8 billion, meeting expectations.

Investors are keen to understand the impact of President Trump’s recent tariffs on Uber’s growth trajectory. While the company’s core business is minimally affected by customs duties, a sluggish economy could deter customers from spending on rides and deliveries.

Nonetheless, Uber forecasts that bookings will rise between 16% and 20% in the current quarter, surpassing Wall Street’s 14% estimate. In a statement, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi remarked on the strong start to the year, despite “a dramatic backdrop of trade and economic news.”

Uber’s profit for the quarter was $1.8 billion, a significant turnaround from a loss of $654 million in the same quarter last year, which included a $721 million impact from the revaluation of an investment.

Additionally, Uber revealed several new partnerships related to self-driving cars over the first four months of the year, as part of a broader strategy to engage with the robot taxi sector, which poses competitive challenges.

In March, the company initiated an exclusive collaboration in Austin, Texas, with plans to launch in Atlanta soon alongside autonomous automotive partner Waymo. By May, Uber had established 18 active self-driving car partnerships.

While rides continue to be the main source of Uber’s profits, the food delivery segment has seen a growth of 15%. Recently, the company invested $700 million to acquire an 85% stake in Trendyol GO, a Turkish grocery and cuisine service.

Furthermore, Uber experienced a relief from increasing car insurance costs that had affected driver earnings. The company has bolstered its short-term and long-term insurance reserves over the last quarter compared to the previous year.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Uber and its CEO contribute $1 million each to President Trump’s inaugural fund

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Uber and its CEO have donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, joining a growing list of technology companies and executives seeking to build good relations with the incoming administration.

This donation was announced by a spokesperson for Uber Technologies. The Wall Street Journal reported that on Tuesday, Uber and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi each donated $1 million to Trump’s fund. Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian.

Uber had previously donated $1 million to President Biden’s 2021 inauguration, but Khosrowshahi did not donate to that event, according to the Wall Street Journal. The $1 million donation to Trump’s fund is said to be Khosrowshahi’s largest contribution to a political candidate or presidential inaugural fund.

The donations from Uber and Khosrowshahi add to a growing list of tech companies and executives who have pledged to donate $1 million to the president-elect’s inaugural fund.

Mehta, CEO of OpenAI, confirmed last week that he had donated $1 million to the foundation. CEO Sam Altman of OpenAI also planned to make a $1 million personal donation to the foundation. Amazon is also preparing to donate $1 million to Trump’s fund.

Unlike companies and executives like Mark Zuckerberg, Mehta, and Jeff Bezos, Uber and Khosrowshahi do not have a historically strained relationship with President Trump, making their donations especially significant.

Notably, Tony West, Uber’s chief legal officer, is the brother-in-law of Vice President and former Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Mr. West took time off to volunteer with Mr. Harris’ presidential campaign before returning to his role at Uber.

Donations to inaugural committees are common among large companies looking to establish better relations with the new administration.

According to Amazon, the company donated $57,746 to President Trump’s first inaugural fund in 2017. Open Secrets reported that other companies such as Google and Microsoft also made donations. Mehta confirmed to the Guardian that he did not donate in 2017.

Recent donations from tech companies and executives come amidst reports of perks being offered to top donors to the president-elect’s inaugural fund. Since Trump’s election win, he has dined with several technology company executives.

In the past month, Trump has dined with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at his Mar-a-Lago mansion. Apple CEO Tim Cook; as well as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Sergey Brin; are among those who have had dinners with Trump. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is scheduled to have dinner with Trump this week.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Uber and Lyft reach agreement to increase driver pay: a victory for major tech corporations

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When the Minneapolis City Council announced agreements with Uber and Lyft last month to increase wages and enhance working conditions for drivers, who emerged as the winner?

On May 20, the city council revealed a compromise with ride-hailing companies: Uber and Lyft would adhere to an inflation-linked minimum wage aligning with Minnesota’s $15 hourly minimum wage post expenses. Although some lawmakers touted this as a 20% pay surge for drivers, the agreed rate was lower, surpassing nearly all proposals from the previous two years amidst a contentious battle involving Uber, Lyft, drivers, and lawmakers.

Key elements of the deal include the allowance for drivers to contest firings due to opaque algorithms, funding for a non-profit driver center for driver rights education, and a raised insurance coverage requirement to $1 million for ride-hailing drivers to address post-trip medical expenses and lost wages following an assault or accident.

However, since the deal remains a vital component of digital ride-hailing services, Uber and Lyft can sustain operations and potentially reverse the compromise in the future.


Over the course of two years, ride-hailing driver groups engaged in protests, advocacy efforts, and negotiations with Uber as the companies threatened capital strikes and announced withdrawal from the state multiple times due to the bill, causing political strife for both entities.

By resorting to capital strikes, these companies narrow the scope of our political discourse while bolstering their own influence. The digital ride-hailing model perpetuates worsened working conditions for drivers through misclassification and algorithmic control, and the Minneapolis deal fails to address data transparency, constituting a significant setback according to expert Veena Duvall from the University of California, Irvine.

While the deal provides instant benefits for drivers by averting Uber and Lyft’s potential exit from the state, it falls short of addressing fundamental structural challenges within the on-demand labor model.

The on-demand labor model relies on maintaining an asymmetric power balance between companies, passengers, drivers, and cities, sidestepping issues of misclassification, data extraction, and algorithmic control.

Uber and Lyft exhibit adeptness in reducing arguments to superficial levels, deterring meaningful change and reform within the industry. Despite the evident need for intervention to improve drivers’ conditions, the omnipresent influence and evasion of billions in taxes by such companies underscore the challenge of enacting lasting reform.

Ultimately, the digital ride-hailing model remains fundamentally flawed, necessitating a comprehensive reevaluation of its impact on urban transport, working conditions, and financial practices, urging a departure from the prevailing exploitative dynamics in favor of sustainable alternatives.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Minneapolis drivers successfully protest for wage increase, leading Lyft and Uber to exit city rather than pay fees.

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Uber and Lyft have announced the suspension of their operations in the Minneapolis area in protest of a newly passed minimum wage ordinance by the City Council.

The ordinance, set to take effect on May 1, establishes a minimum wage of $1.40 per mile and 0.51 cents per minute for rideshare drivers, with a minimum wage of $5 per ride. Despite the mayor’s veto being overridden by the City Council, Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave the area in response.


If the companies proceed with their plans to halt operations on May 1, Minneapolis will stand as the only city in the U.S. without Uber or Lyft services.

Advocates for the bill highlight the low wages and high costs faced by rideshare drivers. They assert that wages have decreased, leading to support for the ordinance.

Eid Ali, a veteran rideshare driver and president of the Minnesota Uber Lyft Drivers Association, has been terminated. Uber and Lyft argue that the minimum wage is unsustainable for maintaining affordable fares for riders.

Ali expressed his disbelief in the actions of the multi-billion-dollar companies, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and a living wage for all workers.

Should Uber and Lyft exit the market, Ali believes that other entities are prepared to step in. He believes their fight is not solely about the minimum wage but also about its implications on the broader market.

Farhan Bader, another rideshare driver, highlighted the undervaluation of drivers’ roles in society and argued for fair compensation amid declining pay and increased working hours.

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Efforts are underway by Minnesota lawmakers to introduce a bill preempting Minneapolis regulations to retain Uber and Lyft in the area.

Uber’s senior director of communications, Josh Gold, expressed disappointment in the City Council’s decision and emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure drivers receive fair wages while keeping rideshare affordable.

A Lyft spokesperson also voiced support for state-level preemption and raised concerns about the impact of the minimum wage ordinance on drivers’ income and the accessibility of ridesharing services.

Uber and Lyft’s clash with regulators over wages and working conditions reflects a broader trend seen in the industry both in the U.S. and globally.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Uber achieves landmark moment with its first annual profit as a limited liability company

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Uber reported annual operating profit for the first time as a limited liability company. It was a landmark moment for the company, which has spent billions of investors' money on an aggressive and often controversial expansion around the world.

The US taxi app company announced a profit of $1.1bn (£870m) in 2023, compared to a loss of $1.8bn the previous year.

The milestone has investors speculating about whether Uber will buy back stock or pay investors a dividend. Uber Chief Financial Officer Prashant Mahendra-Raja said the company will share its “capital allocation plan” with investors next week.

Uber stock rose 1% on Wednesday after initially falling. The company's stock has risen by more than a fifth through 2024 and doubled in the past 12 months, giving it a value of nearly $150 billion.

The company said customers have booked 2.6 billion trips in the past three months of 2023, which equates to about 28 million trips per day.

“2023 was a turning point for Uber, proving that we can continue to see strong, profitable growth at scale,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber's chief executive officer. Our audience is bigger and more engaged than ever, and our platform powered an average of nearly 26 million trips every day last year.

Uber was founded in 2009 by entrepreneurs Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick. Kalanick took over as CEO in 2010 and continued its expansion, during which time the app quickly spread across the United States, followed by Europe and many cities around the world.

This growth has been made possible by Uber's embrace of the gig economy, where drivers in many countries are considered self-employed and are not entitled to things like sick pay or paid time off.

Mr. Kalanick's time as CEO was marked by a series of scandals and battles with regulators. In 2022, leaks reported by the Guardian revealed how Uber broke laws, deceived police, and secretly lobbied governments while rolling out its service.

Mr. Kalanick was replaced in 2017 by Mr. Khosrowshahi, the former chief executive of travel agency Expedia, in an effort to soften the company's image and focus on meeting regulators' requirements.

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Dan Ives, an analyst at investment bank Wedbush, said Khosrowshahi has led “one of the greatest turnarounds in tech industry history” and that Uber is “not slowing down.”

Uber has consistently suffered significant operating losses since its stock listing on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2019. Losses increased from $3 billion in 2018 to $8.6 billion in 2019, then declined to $4.9 billion in 2020, $3.8 billion in 2021, and $1.8 billion in 2021. 2022.

Thanks in part to growing demand, the company made a profit in 2023. Gross booking value (the total amount paid by Uber riders and delivery customers) in the final quarter of 2023 increased 22% year over year to $37.6 billion. Uber's profit from these deals was $9.9 billion.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Uber Brings London’s Iconic Black Taxis to its Ridesharing Service

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Uber has scored another victory against the struggling taxi industry. London passengers will soon be able to hail one of the city’s iconic black taxis.

Taxi drivers in London can now start signing up for Uber’s travel referrals, but the service won’t be rolled out until early 2024. Uber says some drivers have already begun to express interest in being featured on the app.

Uber has been steadily signing deals with taxi fleet owners to bring the traditional taxi industry into its app. The ride-hailing giant recently signed deals with taxi fleets in Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, and Rome to list their drivers on the app. Uber says taxi drivers now make more than 10% of Uber rides in Europe and the Middle East.

Whether London’s black taxi drivers will sign up for Uber in droves is another story.

Steve McNamara, a spokesperson for the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, an industry group representing 10,000 drivers, said in a statement that the group is “partnering with London’s iconic and world-famous black taxi industry. “I had no interest in tarnishing its name.” Uber, its poor safety record, and everything else that comes with it.”

McNamara also said he wasn’t aware of drivers signing up for Uber and didn’t expect Uber to catch on, given Uber’s reputation for safety and worker rights. He said the group was not consulted before Uber’s announcement.

With London’s black cabs, you don’t necessarily have to hail an Uber on-demand via an app. Taxis are available through other apps such as Gett, Taxiapp, FreeNow, and ComCab. So Uber is trying to enter the market with other services as well.

In order to gain more market share and increase the stability of the app, Uber is making available additional transport bookings on its UK app, such as intercity trains, Eurostar, National Express, car rentals, and even airline tickets. I did it like this.

Uber’s Black Taxi Drivers receive regular taxi rides at upfront rates You can choose to accept or decline travel destinations. All new drivers benefit from 0% commission for their first 6 months. This can quickly increase sign-ups before commissions are raised to their normal range (around 20%-30%).

Source: techcrunch.com