Warning to taxis, Uber as new service aims for the top rank

TAXIS and Uber will be looking over their shoulder from August when a new rideshare company hits the streets of Townsville, ready to make a statement.

Didi Australia will launch its service in Townsville on August 10 as part of its 20-city expansion across Australia.

The company will also drive into other regional hubs including Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.

Didi arrived Down Under in mid-2018 and has built a healthy customer base in cities such as Brisbane, Geelong and Perth.

The company says it offers competitive pricing and on average can be up to 10 per cent more affordable than other rideshare services in Australia.

As part of its launch the company is also offering both riders and drivers in Townsville cheap deals to get involved.

Riders who sign up before August 10 will receive 20 per cent off all rides for the first two weeks of the service, with discounts capped at $10 per trip.

Drivers who sign up to Didi and are approved before August 10 will receive a 0 per cent service fee until September 6.

Didi Australia general manager Lyn Ma said it was an exciting time for the business.

“This is a significant milestone for Didi Australia, while our entry into 20 new Australian cities ensures we are well positioned as the clear challenger to the market leader,” Ms Ma said.

“Launching in Townsville will now both bring affordable rideshare to more Queenslanders and provide greater earning opportunities for local rideshare drivers.

“Didi has been resolute in its commitment to supporting local rideshare drivers, riders and the wider community since our launch in 2018, but particularly in recent times during this current health crisis.

“We will continue this approach in both our new and existing cities into the future.”

Didi Australia currently has around 75,000 active drivers and more than 1.5 million active riders on its platform.

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