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Posted on the 27th March 2025 in PHTM News
UBER LAUNCHES IN NORWICH SPARKING MIXED REACTIONS
Ride-hailing giant Uber has officially launched its services in Norwich, promising greater transport options and economic benefits for the city.
The move, however, has been met with concerns from the local taxi industry, who fear increased competition.
Uber announced its arrival stating it would "give passengers greater transport options" and "provide new earning opportunities for local drivers."
Andrew Brem, Uber's UK country manager, emphasised the company's commitment to supporting the local economy.
However, the Norwich Black Cabs Association has voiced reservations about the new entrant. Kierran Greaves, a committee member of the association, described Uber's arrival as a "double-edged sword."
While acknowledging the benefits for customers seeking more ride-sharing options, Mr Greaves expressed concern that the city already has a sufficient number of private hire vehicles.
"If you look down Prince of Wales [Road] or Castle Meadow or outside the theatre, there are always private hire vehicles parked around waiting for them to get jobs," he told the BBC.
He noted that the primary difficulty in securing private hire vehicles is typically limited to Friday and Saturday nights.
Mr Greaves also highlighted the difference in service offered by traditional black cabs. "With taxis you can flag them down, wave at us if we've got our lights on and you can jump in. But you can't do that with private hire," he explained.
"With Uber you have to book and wait, but if you see one of us you can just jump in to a black cab."
Uber countered these concerns by highlighting "unmet demand" in Norwich, claiming "thousands of users opening the app every week to try and book a trip."
The company also highlighted the benefits for drivers, stating they would have access to "industry leading worker rights such as holiday pay, free sickness and injury protection and a pension, as well as formal representation through GMB Union."
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