Teesside Evening Gazette

Uber taxis to launch in Stockton

- By ALEX O’LEARY Reporter alex.oleary@reachplc.com Andrew Benn

UBER is officially set to launch in Stockton.

The popular taxi-hailing app has confirmed that it will be rolling out rides to passengers across the town, following a huge surge in demand.

Bosses say more than 4,500 local residents have been opening the Uber app looking for a trip every week.

Uber first arrived on Teesside in the form of the ‘Local Cab’ option back in 2021, which allowed customers to book a taxi through the Uber app by connecting them with local taxi firm Skyline Taxis. But it is now finally launching in full across Stockton – the second new town for the firm since 2017.

The company has not yet confirmed how far across Stockton it will cover. Uber has operated across most of the major towns and cities in the UK for several years, allowing customers to select a destinatio­n and pay through a single app.

From driver ratings to GPS tracking and emergency support, the app offers both passengers and drivers numerous safety functions to track their trip, share it with trusted contacts, and stay connected with support teams.

We reported in 2016 how the chain had no plans to launch the taxi service in Middlesbro­ugh – despite previously saying it was a location it had looked at for future expansion. However, Uber

We are extremely proud to launch Uber in Stockton where we have been seeing increased demand

Eats, the company’s online food ordering and delivery service, is already in place across several locations on Teesside and has been for several years.

To celebrate the Uber launch in Stockton, users across the town can enjoy up to £20 off their next two rides until April 7, 2024.

Andrew Brem, general manager of Uber UK, said: “We are extremely proud to launch Uber in Stockton where we have been seeing increased demand for our services.

“By bringing Uber to the town we want to help maximise earnings opportunit­ies for drivers, boost transport options for passengers, and support the local economy.” Muhammad, a private hire driver who has already signed up for Uber in Stockton, said: “Uber offers private hire owner drivers abundant opportunit­ies to not only earn but also thrive in their profession. The seamless integratio­n of technology not only simplifies the process for drivers but also ensures a smooth and efficient service for passengers.

“Moreover, by encouragin­g more drivers to join, Uber contribute­s to the economic growth of local communitie­s, fostering greater connectivi­ty and accessibil­ity.

“Overall, I wholeheart­edly encourage private hire owner drivers to embrace this opportunit­y with Uber, as it promises not just financial benefits but also a positive impact on the broader community.”

 ?? ?? Passengers in Stockton can enjoy a special discount as part of the laiunch
Passengers in Stockton can enjoy a special discount as part of the laiunch

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