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Posted on the 2nd April 2025 in PHTM News
PLYMOUTH TAXI FIRM ACCUSES UBER OF PREDATORY PRICING
A price war has erupted in Plymouth with local taxi firm Need-a-cab? accusing ride-hailing giant Uber of "predatory pricing" and destabilising the city's taxi industry.
Huw Isaac and David McIntosh, Need-a-cab? bosses, have penned a letter to Plymouth City Council alleging Uber is drastically undercutting established operators, potentially driving them out of business and creating a monopoly.
"We are happy with competition but not happy about unfair and possibly illegal methods of competing," David McIntosh told PlymouthLive, highlighting their concerns about Uber's pricing strategy.
They claim a journey costing £7.10 with Need-a-cab? can be taken for as little as £1.67 with Uber.
The firm is citing the Competitions Act, which prohibits companies from setting unrealistically low prices to eliminate competition.
Uber, which was granted permission to operate in Plymouth last year, stated it is "pleased" to be operating in Plymouth and is simply "satisfying unmet demand" and "adding to competition."
While Uber did not address the specific pricing concerns, its website lists an average 11-minute ride in Plymouth at £10.
Plymouth City Council clarified it does not regulate private hire vehicle fares, directing any "predatory pricing queries" to the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA).
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