Bane to Singapore's Taxi Drivers? Uber Limo-Service App Rolls Out Cheaper Rides

US-based transportation app Uber tends to ruffle feathers. The system lets people connect with Uber’s fleet of premium cars-with-drivers – like a sort of on-demand limo service. But while the service has found many customers globally, taxi drivers and local government officials from San Francisco to Singapore are not always so happy with what they may see as a start-up up-start. Some argue it may also raise safety issues.

It's competition for cab drivers, so understandably they are less keen on Uber.

And the presence of Uber vehicles in a city can mean a de-valuation of taxi-licences, which equals less revenue for local government.

It also involves mobile phones and cars, which never mix well.
 

UberX in Singapore

Now Uber has thrown another cat into the chicken coup. The firm's UberBlack service has been running for a year now, but a new, lower-cost offering called UberX is being quietly rolled out across Singapore.

Lower prices mean even more competition for taxi drivers.
 

Problems for Uber in Asia

While the San Francisco based firm's gung-ho, energetic approach has brought success, it has also brought problems. In August of 2013 Seoul authorities launched an investigation into how Uber operates regarding licences, and more recently Manila's transportation authorities decided that Uber and rival Tripid must operate as a public utility vehicle – and in the absence of an applicable licence has been in violation of the law.

Authorities in Seattle and Chicago have also thrown legal stumbling blocks in front of Uber.
 

Questions

Whether the lower-cost UberX will operate with licenced limousine drivers, whether it will use more modest vehicles – and how this new service will affect Singapore's taxi drivers – are all questions that will be answered over time.

But the innovative use of an app to pair up passenger and driver has captured the imagination not only of Singaporeans, but people in cities around the world.
 

Mobile Phone Use

Critics argue that the business model may be dangerous because drivers need to use their mobile phones frequently as part of their job. Using a mobile phone at the wheel is of course illegal in Singapore, and can attract a fine of $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail. But aside from the penalties, using a mobile in such a way puts the lives of both drivers and passengers at risk.

Many Singaporeans, whether they use public transport occasionally or regularly, (or whether they are taxi drivers) will be watching Uber's activity with interest.

More info about Uber Limo-Service Apps