Thanet firms are concerned as Uber has been granted an operator licence and is now scheduling driver onboarding appointments in the area.
Andrew Doody, Chair of Thanet Private Hire Association, which represents local firms, United Taxis, Thanet Cars and Central Cars, who have served the local community for over forty years said: "We already have booking apps so Uber brings nothing new to Thanet. Plus, Uber also uses surge pricing so fares rise when demand is higher.
“Furthermore, having contacted several companies across the UK and read online about the effect Uber has on drivers’ earnings, over say a two-year period, it seems to be that a 50 per cent drop is common.
“This only leads to a drop in drivers and therefore a dramatic drop in service. Customers’ fares with these online rideshare faceless companies are frequently changing, sometimes within minutes, rising dramatically when busy.”
The three companies say there has been a driver shortage since Covid but Thanet has recovered from this, successfully restoring the number of licensed drivers to pre-pandemic levels.
In a statement they added: “We now offer reliable and safe services, even during peak times when wait times may extend. This issue is being addressed effectively, with a steady influx of local individuals obtaining their private hire licences under the rigorous and approved conditions set by Thanet District Council.
“Choosing one of our local taxi services guarantees not only safety and a deep understanding of our local routes and customers’ needs but also compliance with safeguarding and disability awareness standards. Furthermore, customers can trust the fare pricing, unlike Uber’s unpredictable surge pricing.
“Local hackney carriage drivers, who serve rail stations and community events, have expressed concerns about competing with the influx of Uber vehicles from outside the area. The last thing our community needs is to face the kind of protests now being seen in Darlington, Manchester, Blackpool and Bristol.”
Protests around the country have ranged from local drivers venting their frustration that Uber has, they say, an unfair advantage because it can circumvent the local authority’s licensing laws to Uber drivers demonstrating against plummeting incomes and demanding better pay and job protection.
TPHA says Uber does not contribute to the local economy, adding: “We believe in supporting local businesses that prioritise the safety and well-being of our residents. Together, we and the community champion local taxi companies as the safe, reliable choice.”
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