Ride-share app, Uber announced this week they were launching in Swansea – eight years after launching in Cardiff.
Julie Alewood-Vallerio said: “Used Uber in London recently. Taxis clean and comfortable drivers smartly dressed and journeys cheaper than black cabs”
Leanne Richards said: “Brilliant news!! Used this loads when I lived in Dublin, easy and convenient.”
Margaret Hammond-Richards had already tried out the Uber app in Swansea, saying: “We used already. Cab arrived in 2 minutes!!”
Michael Hilton was not keen on the launch saying: “Not good. They won’t use local drivers, they will take away the work from local taxi drivers, once they get a hold the prices will go through the roof.”
Meanwhile, Alun Wyn Walters said: “Where the hell have Uber been until now?”
Dean Roderick and Neil Trainer, are owners of the city’s largest taxi firms – Yellow Cabs and Oyster Cabs.
They say, they’ve been modernising the way customers book taxi’s by launching their own app. They also cite their consistent pricing as opposed to surge pricing that effects ride-share app users.
Mr Roderick said: “As a cornerstone of Swansea’s transportation landscape for over thirty years, Yellow Cabs has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. We take immense pride in our legacy of service and are committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation while staying true to our roots as a local company with deep ties to Swansea.
“One of the significant changes we’ve introduced in recent years is the Yellow Cabs app, which revolutionises the way our customers book and manage their rides. With just a few taps on their smartphones, passengers can now easily request a Yellow Cab, track their driver’s location in real-time, and continue to pay securely by credit card or cash. This technology not only enhances convenience for our customers but also streamlines our operations, ensuring swift and efficient service.
“Despite these changes, our core values remain unchanged. We’re still the largest taxi company in Swansea, providing unmatched availability and reliability to our customers. Our team of local staff and drivers remains dedicated to serving the community with the same passion and commitment that have defined Yellow Cabs for the past three decades.
“Furthermore, we firmly believe that surge pricing, as employed by some of our new competitors during periods of peak demand, is fundamentally wrong. It’s unfair to our customers to be subjected to exorbitant price increases, sometimes up to 400%, simply because its busy. At Yellow Cabs, we pride ourselves on transparent and consistent pricing, ensuring that our customers are always treated fairly.
“As we look to the future, Yellow Cabs remains steadfast in our mission to provide safe, efficient, and accessible transportation solutions for the people of Swansea. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and remain committed to earning their trust every day.”
