Taxi companies not happy with Uber move

April 09, 2021

Recent news that international ride-sharing giant Uber will soon be available in Jamaica has left a few locally operated taxi companies distressed.

CEO of Paramount Taxi Services and Rental, Kenard Dixon, told THE WEEKEND STAR that he is concerned about the competition.

"It is already a struggle with other taxi companies because there is quite a number of us. So for a giant company like Uber to come in now it will give us a fight," he said. "The Government should have spent some time to sit with the registered local companies to hear our concerns and also give us some idea of what we should do."

The Uber app, launched in 2010, connects commuters with drivers who have signed up with the service. Uber is currently available in 69 countries, spanning more than 10,000 cities.

"We also have to give and take with our system here in Jamaica because I had an app system but I had to kinda move away from it and use the radio system because not everybody is versatile with using the technology, and we have to look out for them as well," Dixon added, explaining that some of his drivers were not so tech-savvy.

A concerned Owen Clarke, CEO at Express Taxi Service, said that his company has also been experiencing challenges to stay afloat.

"It is so difficult for us presently because we have drivers in the system who need road licences and they can't get it. It leaves us, the company, in limbo because the few cabs that are there and the volume of traffic on the streets, it make it hard to move within certain time frame to make any sort of profit," he said. "I will have to see where this Uber will target. I hope they don't go for the people in the little communities."

Registered Uber vehicles will initially start operation in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.

A part of Uber's commitment is the firm stance on the safety of commuters. Once an Uber vehicle is booked, the passenger will be able to see a picture of the driver and car, and after departure, the trip will be monitored until arriving at the final destination. Dixon said safety was never a challenge as he would have made provisions for his customers.

"I try my best to put my logo big on our cars so persons can see the marked car. Even before I take on any driver for my company I take up to a month to investigate him, and all because I have to look out for my clients' safety," he said.

Persons who wish to lease their vehicles with Uber must be over 21, own a vehicle model year 2010 or newer, and have documents such as a valid driver's licence, vehicle registration and insurance.

Other News Stories