Ola’s UK launch stokes competition concerns
INDIA’S ride-hailing giant and Uber rival Ola has launched in the UK with customers in South Wales now able to book rides.
The Bangalore-based firm is to offer its service initially in Cardiff, Newport and across the Vale of Glamorgan before launching in Greater Manchester in the coming months. Ola cabs will be available nationwide by the end of the year.
The start-up seeks to distinguish itself in a market populated by other ridehailing apps by focusing on passenger safety and offering a wider range of vehicle options.
According to a statement, Ola will ensure drivers are screened and that passengers have the option of sharing their ride details with emergency contacts through a feature built into the app.
Ola will be the only app in South Wales that gives users the option to choose between private hire vehicles or taxis as their ride of choice. The UK is the third country to host Ola’s services after India and Australia.
However, the company’s arrival in Britain is likely to prove controversial.
Ola has already come under fire from local taxi firms who are concerned the Indian company will exploit a loophole that allows taxis based outside Cardiff to operate in the city, potentially harming licensed local drivers. Taxi Drivers Cardiff, a group for local taxi operators, has called on the Welsh government to “reform legislation” to ensure drivers can continue to earn a living despite the competition.
Ola was founded by Bhavish Aggarwal in 2010 in Mumbai and currently has 125m customers in 110 cities.
“We are very pleased that South Wales is where we will be starting our UK journey,” said Ben Legg, managing director of Ola UK.