Leuven –
As of 9 November, technology company Uber is expanding its services to Leuven, among other places, but the city is not happy with the company’s arrival. “Our local taxi companies were already in bad shape due to the corona crisis. The arrival of Uber on top of that is very bad timing, ”says Johan Geleyns (CD&V), alderman of trade.
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You can enter a destination via the Uber app in your smartphone, a driver will then pick you up on the spot. Uber has long been criticized for being unfair competition to local taxi companies.
Uber drivers have been driving around for quite some time abroad and in Brussels. From November 9, the American company will also offer taxi rides in Flanders. Uber will be available in Ghent, Leuven and Antwerp, among others. The city of Leuven was certainly not set up with the arrival of the company.
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“This is a threat to our local family businesses,” says Geleyns. “Due to corona, the turnover of the Leuven taxi companies was already very low, hardly any journeys are still being made. With the arrival of Uber, competition for the companies is even increased: that is very bad timing. ”
Uber is known for its lower prices and consumers often enjoy that. “But because their prices fluctuate according to supply and demand, as a consumer you sometimes end up more expensive. Moreover, our local companies have much more knowledge about the city, they are almost like a guide and that is also an important added value. ”
Normally, the city council would meet with the sector at the beginning of next year, but that will be brought forward by the arrival of Uber. “We are going to see what we can do for the sector,” says Geleyns. “I am thinking in the direction of a quality label for our local taxis.”
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