uberTAXI hits the road in Taipei City

uber在台北市上路

Uber announced at a press conference on Monday (Oct. 30) that the uberTAXI service it has worked out with local taxi companies starts immediately in Taipei City.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News)—Uber announced at a press conference on Monday (Oct. 30) that the uberTAXI service it has worked out with local taxi companies starts immediately in Taipei City.

The company said it hoped the service will result in reduction of empty taxis running around the city as well as enhanced security for passengers.

The local companies Uber has teamed up with to provide the uberTAXI service include Crown Taxi and Q Taxi.



According to a news release issued by Uber, all vehicles joining uberTAXI must be under 5 years old and the drivers must have a professional driver's license.

uberTAXI charges for service according to the distance on the meter and only accepts cash, the company said, adding that all the Uber app functions will continue to be available for passengers, including the rating system for drivers and passengers, trip itinerary sharing, built-in communication and 24-hour online customer service.

Brooks Entwistle, Uber Asia Pacific's chief business officer, said that when taxi drivers open the app, they will find more opportunities for earning more income, and passengers will enjoy more security.

Entwistle said there are nearly 30,000 registered taxis in Taipei, but the usage rate is only 30%, which means many taxi drivers are driving empty cars around the city, and that the uberTAXI service is aimed at improving the situation.