European taxis joining Uber, according to executive. An executive told Reuters that Uber (UBER.N) is attracting European taxi drivers, despite the company’s history of conflict with the taxi sector.
Uber’s mobility (ride-sharing) business in EMEA is strong, according to Uber’s Anabel Diaz.
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa “are growing fairly nicely with numbers that go from 10% to more than 50% growth in some of our geographies,” she said.
British, French, German, and Spanish Uber markets dominate Europe.
“Very solid business performance with a lot of innovation, including development of our taxi solution in all those countries,” she said.
In the year ended April 30, European taxi drivers’ use of Uber quadrupled from 5% to 10% of journeys. The app supplements curb-side hailing for taxi drivers. Uber rides must be booked online.
Private Uber drivers needing a commercial license has reduced conflict with taxis.
After the COVID-19 outbreak, Diaz claimed staffing was difficult.
“But right now drivers are back on the platform in all-time high numbers, frankly globally, and that’s resulting in better service levels,” she said.
Uber publishes only group-level data for its ride-sharing business and Uber Eats, which account for half of sales. Europe was the company’s largest market outside the U.S. in the three months ending March 31, with 24% of group revenues at $2.1 billion.
Spain, Germany, and Britain have varying gig worker employment laws. In June, the European Council will try to compromise.
Uber claims its drivers are contractors. “The reality is we will adapt…(and) business will find a way forward,” Diaz added.
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