Uber to work closely with taxis

KOTA KINABALU: Ride-hailing company Uber is planning to work closely with taxis to improve the public transport system in the country.

Uber head of communications for SouthEast Asia Leigh Wong said the main objective for a ride-hailing company is to make it easier for clients to travel.

He said by working closely with taxis, they are able to foster better understanding among drivers which will benefit the public.

“We have had several collaborations with the taxi associations in Peninsular Malaysia and things are looking well as we are able to benefit mutually,” Wong said during a media visit here on Thursday.

He said they had also seen a significant reduction in tension between taxi and Uber drivers since they worked together.

Meanwhile, he said the company had achieved quite a milestone since its introduction in Malaysia about three years ago.

“Our customer base has grown and ride-hailing companies like us have been legalised,” Wong said, adding it had expanded its services to food delivery in the peninsula.

He said it was a positive move as tourism played an important role in the country’s economic development.

“Our services also help in reducing traffic congestions, and we estimate that the traffic flow could be improved by about 90% if the public fully utilises our services instead of driving on their own,” he said.

Asked whether they are planning to expand Uber driver partners to motorcyclists, Wong said not at the moment.

He said it was still in the midst of strengthening its services and customer base nationwide.