Uber takes fares in Myanmar

YANGON // The private ride- hailing service Uber launched in the main Myanmar city of Yangon yesterday.

Uber, one of the world’s largest on-demand transportation platforms, is seeking an alliance with the government to smooth acceptance of the use of private vehicles for commercial transport.

A taxi ride in Myanmar usually involves negotiating prices, no use of meters and a lack of air conditioning or seat belts.

Using a ride- hailing app is still a relatively new concept, although the practice has been gaining in popularity.

Singapore-based GrabTaxi’s began a trial run in the South-East Asian country about six weeks ago.

Local travel services start-up Oway and Hello Cabs, a rival service run by a construction and vehicle dealership tycoon, also provide ride-hailing services.

“I definitely want to try Uber,” said Nyan Zay Htet, a company worker who was haggling with a driver over a fare on a downtown street in Yangon.

“I welcome having international companies come in because it can be more convenient for us if we don’t have to bargain over prices and can just hop in and go.”

Some taxi drivers expressed alarm about other companies edging on to their turf.

“My car is my livelihood,” said Tun Mya, who said he was already earning less because people were hailing fewer traditional taxis.

“I am a bit worried. I don’t know what will happen yet, but we are watching.”