A recent Independent Future leaflet states that due to recent taxi rate increases and decreasing bus services, simple journeys are now unaffordable for many in Tamworth. They believe that pushing Tamworth Borough Council to License Uber would ‘help end transport inequality and boost visitor traffic into the town centre’.
let’s concentrate on the Uber aspect of this. For a start, Uber rides are not free, they charge around the same if not more than regular taxis, especially when surge pricing kicks in (more on that later). You can easily check this for yourself by downloading the Uber app and checking how much a ride would cost from where you are to the Town Centre for example. Uber is no magic bullet and taxi numbers are generally rising in Tamworth.
There’s also more to consider. Whether or not Tamworth council should license Uber depends on various factors, including the regulatory framework in place for taxi services, the local transportation needs of the community, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of having Uber operate in the area.
Uber is a ride-hailing service that connects passengers with drivers via a mobile app. It operates in many cities worldwide, including in the UK. To operate in Tamworth, Uber would need to be granted a license by the local council.
If Tamworth council decides to license Uber, it could provide residents with an additional transportation option and potentially increase competition in the local taxi market. This could lead to more affordable and convenient transportation for residents.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Some concerns with Uber include driver vetting processes, passenger safety, and the impact on the traditional taxi industry. The council would need to ensure that appropriate regulations and safeguards are in place to protect passengers and ensure fair competition in the transportation market.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to license Uber in Tamworth should be based on a careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as the needs and priorities of the local community
There are several reasons why Uber might not be suitable for a town like Tamworth:
Low demand:
Tamworth is a small town with a relatively low population density. As a result, there may not be enough demand for ride-hailing services like Uber to justify the cost and effort required to establish a presence in the area.
Limited driver pool:
With a smaller population, there may be fewer drivers available to provide ride-hailing services, which could result in longer wait times or limited availability for customers.
Limited service area:
Uber typically operates within designated service areas, and it’s possible that Tamworth may not be large enough to justify a service area. As a result, riders may only be able to use Uber within certain parts of the town, which could limit its usefulness.
Competition from taxis:
In some towns, traditional taxi services may already be established and have a loyal customer base. This could make it difficult for Uber to gain a foothold in the market.
Lack of infrastructure:
Tamworth may not have the necessary infrastructure to support ride-hailing services like Uber. For example, there may be limited parking or limited access to public transportation, making it more difficult for Uber drivers to pick up and drop off customers.
Regulatory issues:
Some towns have strict regulations on ride-hailing services, which could make it difficult or even impossible for Uber to operate in Tamworth. This could include requirements for background checks, insurance, and licensing that Uber may not be able to meet.
Let’s also not forget how Uber charge when there’s high demand. An algorithm detects high demand for a taxi within an area and “surge pricing” kicks in. In other words if there’s a sudden demand for Taxis, you could end up paying quite a bit more for a journey than you expected. This can’t happen with traditional taxis.
