Uber has launched services in my local city – Birmingham with a fanfare.
The “Shared Ride” company will be going up against the Black Cabs and Private Hire cars that currently operate in the city. Prices seem “reasonable”, with Uber quoting the following:
- Birmingham New Street Station to Selly Oak – £5-7
- The Bullring to Edgbaston – £4-6
- City Centre to Birmingham Airport – £14-17
The actual prices are along the lines of :
- £1.40 Base fare
- 15p a minute, £1.10 a mile
- Base Fare £3.50
These compare pretty well with black cabs and private hire (for example, I normally get charged £20 from my flat near the city centre to the airport in private hire car, whilst a black cab can be the best part of £25 on a good day).
Also on the Uber blog, they are giving their first ride away free
Coverage is a little sparse at the moment (on a couple of occasions I’ve checked, all Ubers are in use), but things should improve over the next few weeks.
Will the sharing economy ride service work in Birmingham? It could do well. It should have a good impact with the 18-30 group (especially the tech-savy people). Whilst the Black Taxi industry isn’t as vice-like as it is in London (thanks to private hire cars left right and centre). Whilst I don’t have a need for a taxi each day (I have an Aygo of Doom for that), for the times I need taxi, I’ll consider it.
If you’re interested in Uber and want to sign up with a £10 ride first ride bonus (which is a hefty discount if you have to catch a cab to the airport) please consider signing up via at https://get.uber.com/invite/ubereclassandbeyond
By using this link you’ll also support this blog (and your writer who will one day need a discounted ride) with a £10 ride as well. Thank you for you consideration!
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