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UBER HOPES TO set up its flagship carsharing service in Limerick when it resumes its lobbying efforts after the upcoming election.
But its management admits they are facing an uphill battle to convince government figures to give it the leeway to run the controversial offering.
The polarising company today opened its first ‘centre of excellence’ outside the US in the Irish city, where it already employs around 100 of a planned 300-plus person workforce in the Thomas St headquarters.
From the complex, staff will carry out support and customer-service duties for Uber’s operations in 30 cities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Andrew Byrne, Uber’s head of public policy for the UK and Ireland, told TheJournal.ie there was an opportunity to make Limerick a “sharing economy innovation hub for Europe” with the trial of a peer-to-peer carsharing scheme.
Ireland’s tight taxi regulations have so far meant the company, and its international competitors, have been effectively banned from brokering paid trips in anything other than licensed cabs and chauffeur-driven cars.
“We’ve certainly talked to Limerick about doing a pilot project in Limerick and you can get derogations from national legislation for that sort of thing,” Byrne said.
“Frankly, it’s a conversation that we will probably have in a meaningful way after the election.”
A collision course
While Uber has proved wildly successful with consumers worldwide by facilitating cheap journeys in private cars through its app, that ever-increasing footprint has also put it on a collision course with licensed taxi providers and authorities in many cities.
Today Byrne insisted Uber’s role wasn’t to replace taxis, rather it was to remove the need for people to own private cars.
It functioned particularly well on the underserved outskirts of major cities and as a service for young people who otherwise wouldn’t have paid for a cab, he added.
“Ireland has a particularly history with the taxi industry that probably makes things slightly more difficult and makes politicians more reluctant to get involved in something that might affect the wider industry,” he said.
However the local public-relations campaign against the world’s most valuable startup, which reached an eye-popping valuation of $51 billion on its latest venture-capital drive, has been snowballing in recent days.
Taxi-booking rival Hailo released a survey on Friday that reported 81% of respondents were against commercial carsharing, or ridesharing, because they felt it was “unsafe and illegal”.
In the face of aggressive competition from companies like Uber and Lyft, the UK-based outfit has been forced to pull out of North America altogether and in 2014 it made a reported loss of £21.8 million.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil yesterday called on government ministers Michael Noonan and Jan O’Sullivan to boycott Uber’s launch after it was revealed the company didn’t pay Irish VAT on the commission it charged drivers for bookings made through its app.
The fees are siphoned through Uber’s subsidiary in the Netherlands, where the company says it books all its international revenue.
Uber Ireland general manager Kieran Harte said he was ”bemused” to see the story appear from “certain politicians” the day before Uber confirmed its €4 million investment in Limerick and creation of 300-plus jobs.
He said the company was “totally compliant” with Irish tax rules, as it was for every country in which it operated.
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Hailo survey against ride-sharing. No surprise there from a taxi payment company. Taxis are still too expensive. Some competition needed.
Uber uses taxis in Ireland so it’s all on the meter anyway.. In other Countries at peak times where Uber uses ride share you pay a premium so it’s more expensive than taxis.. Would you like your wife or Daughter using a service that the driver has only been vetted by Uber..
@cosmo, I would like my wife or daughter to have the choice, and not have to pay the company who is better at bribing politicians. Taxis have ripped Ireland off for decades. It is only a little better now because a court found their quango illegal. New technology will break all the monopolies. Taxis, doctors, pharmacies, I wish one of these brainboxes would work on Denis O’Brian and Irish Water.
Very true
I had woman drunk asleep in car last week
I just knew she was lucky to be with me a 14 year record of SPSV driving and know what I was doing 7 years before I got taxi in 2002.
Her friends seen my taxi and no doubt had my number or pic of taxi. She was given a receipt when cops removed her.
Now imagine an unlicensed Uber driver bringing you friend or daughter home.
Who is he in a black Prius no plate or registered on Driver Check App.
Scary
“Unlicensed”, “no plate”…this is why taxis will lose the battle with UBER. You haven’t even bothered to look up what it actually is.
I know all about them. What is it you think I don’t know about ? Which product ? Taxi ? X? XL? black? Select ? Lux? Sub? Elect ? Pop?
Read your reply taxis will fail because the have a plate and are licensed?? Don’t make sense
Keep your ignorance off the net as there is enough on here already.
Alan….how have taxis ripped off Ireland?? The fare structure is set by the NTA following consultation with various interested parties ie hotels, business interests, taxi drivers AND CONSUMERS. secondly, you do not have to use taxis, you choose to or not. Finally, please remember we are the only 24/7/365 door to door service that is fully customisable by users in terms of payment option, vehicle type and route choice. AND…we do not receive any subsidies from the government! What industry are you in ???
Well said Fred.
Imagine an Uber driver bringing home a lone drunk woman.! Not being bound by any law of the land , he could drag her out and give 5 stars on her phone and drive off. An SPSV driver is bound by many laws to ensure best practice. And is traceable by Gardai and NTA.
People just want a race to the bottom and cry when it and their life go tits up.
I wouldn’t mind uber drivers as Hackney SPSV drivers as the must follow NTA regulations then.
If Hackney then wants 70% of his money – 20% then that’s his business model and let him on.
Martini…more ignorance. The NTA hold a public consultation period of approx 3 months duration prior to a fare change. Your not paying attention!!
I am living in New Zealand and use UBER all the time. It is a lot cheaper than a normal taxi. When you order an uber using the app you get a confirmation with the drivers name, a photo of the driver and the registration plate. The map shows you how many minutes away the driver is and you also have the option to rate the driver after each trip.
I think it is a brilliant service
Does it show is they are insured to carry paying passengers? or any of the below? particular the garda check?
A written undertaking that you will not drive an SPSV for more than 11 hours on any three consecutive days;
Details of any other occupation in which you are engaged, including name and address of employer (if relevant), and, if that other occupation involves driving, evidence that you have informed the employer of your intention to apply for an SPSV driver licence;
A declaration that your health does not materially affect your ability to drive an SPSV, and that you are not taking drugs or medication that would be likely to impair your ability to drive safely;
A declaration that you have not been convicted of any of the offences specified in section 30(3) or the Schedule to the Taxi Regulation Act 2013; and
Any other documents requested by An Garda Síochána.
HAILO does the same with map, picture and license plate number of driver, and you can rate them after the trip, can’t make a comparison on the fees yet
I drive part time for them in Sydney. Had to give my passport, birth certificate, driving history, car tax, third party insurance and fully comp insurance, driving license, agree to a full criminal background check and also have my car tested to ensure its roadworthy. Even had to change my brakes and get a few things repaired before they would allow me drive. Also you get to rate the drivers out of five stars and if the rating falls below 4.5 you get a warning if it drops lower you are disqualified. You can review fares if you think you were charged too much, you can see the exact route you are going as its all tracked on gps. It’s all transparent and good value for money.
Would never get a taxi again in Sydney. First class prices for abysmal service.
I use them all the time in Melbourne too. Essentially you see two types of people commenting here. People who’ve actually used them or know how it works who are generally positive. Then you have people who have never used it and/or taxi drivers saying how “dangerous” it is. That should tell you all you need to know.
Next time I’m in Sydney Trevor I’ll uber you :)
Hi Trevor, did you declare the income that you earned as a part time Uber driver to the revenue commissioners on your tax returns? Just wondering trev me oul mate!
Have you asked your insurer if this is ok?
Use this service every week in Milwaukee and have used it in Orlando and LA. Back in Ireland over xmas waiting over 20 mins for a Taxi that charged around 15 E to go a couple miles.
Uber arrives within 5 minutes or less, fare paid through the APP with no tip expected, email receipt and route sent straight away. Fantastic service.
Scaremongering is the only tactic to discredit this far superior service to Taxis.
€7.50 a mile? You got ripped off. Uber taxis are very good. I use it in London all the time.
You do realise you could use uber or hailo here in Ireland and pay on those apps too???
Shanners….so you want cheap labour to get you home?? A fine roll model you and other uber users are!
I suppose I could get a limo and waste more money.
Every driver I have spoken (bar one for honesty) had nothing but good things to say. Also, drive a nicer car or bigger car and the rates are higher.
Uber rates its passengers too. Shitty passenger = no pickup.
Would you let your daughter or mother get in with an unchecked or vetted stranger? I know I wouldn’t
It’s actually safer to request an uber, as there’s a digital trail from your phone, and in Uber’s records. You get the licence plate number, driver name etc. I’ve used it to trace back an uber after leaving items behind.
Surely safer than flagging a car on the street, and paying cash? There’s no way to trace a driver after an incident.
They’re not unvetted. If you spent 5 mins reading the requirements in the Uber website instead of believing everything you’re fed in the media you’d know that. It’s working perfectly well in hundreds of other cities. Once again Ireland will catch up in a few years.
Both myself and my missus have been sexually propositioned by taxi drivers in two different countries, the missus by that gold standard of taxi driver, the London Black Cab, and me by a guy in a light box driving 1994 Toyata Corona in NZ. The world is full of creeps, so if you’re happy putting your wife or daughter in a taxi, you should feel just as safe putting them in an Uber. At least Uber cars are practically new and the drivers rely on star rating for their income.
Micheal, your ignorance is hilarious.
Your flagging a licensed taxi driven by licensed SPSV driver. All this information is available on ” Driver Check” app.
Your untitled to a receipt with all details recorded. The Gardai and NTA will sort out any problems far quicker than emails to any Uber email address.
Please don’t spout untruths on here for more ignorant to read.
What has a an Uber driver to lose? His iPhone they take back after his son.
Taxi drive has his career and good name to lose and far high traceability.
If you wish to flag and pay cash and take no more of your night then the balls in your court.
Michael…your ignorance frightens me. BY LAW…all taxis must provide printed receipts with the reg no, taxi no, start/finish time, date, distance travelled, fare/extras charged on it. If thats not enough for you…stay indoors for your own safety!
Guru….uber has been banned in various german cities and uberpop has been banned in France. Furthermore, various American cities/regions have on going investigations too. Ubers’ ambition is to monopolise markets and then ramp up prices. In areas where surge pricing operates prices can be 2x or 3x the “off peak” rate. Uber only accept card payment meaning you have no opportunity to complain about a fare if your unhappy. As ive tried uber as a driver, i can confirm that the app often suggests circuitous routes!!
Surge pricing is based on supply and demand as far as I can tell. And when you book, the app asks you to re input the surge rate, to show that you understand you will be paying a multiplied rate. You can get a fare estimate before anything happens, and you can cancel before pickup. If you want the lift there and then, you accept the surge pricing. If you are happy to wait, book a regular taxi or if you’re lucky flag one down. The benefit lies in über when it’s non surge times, whereby prices are vastly cheaper. Do you want a fixed rate or tracker mortgage?
Lads you’re deluded. Anywhere that Uber has been allowed to operate as normal it has taken a huge market share from taxis. In Ireland you have the advantage of being able to see this before it happens. If I were you if put my energy into adapting rather than trying to fear monger and hope it doesn’t happen.
Byron & Fred,
It’s rude, ignorant taxi drivers like yourselves that will ensure Uber’s success.
It’s a fantastic service. I’m delighted the people back home in Dublin will soon have a better option.
Rory…but what if uber become so popular that taxis dissappear? No choice yhen but to pay surge pricing, and prices will surge day and night. The principle reason uber are cheaper/nicer cars is because their business model is to get people using their own private cars as a part time second source of income. That means no 24/7 service guarantee.
Michael…rude/ ignorant???? I point out YOUR ignorance in detail and you call me rude/ignorant??? FYI….i provide a three yr old car with leather interior, magazines for passengers, and other comfort features. I am a professional, law abiding, tax compliant driver. You however, are part of a growing number of people who want others to work for less and less! I call selfish people like you…a disgrace!!
I hailed an Uber in London at 3am New Year’s Eve. The very centre of London to the very north. £30. A black cab, if I could have got one would be double that.
Michael, I hope it never happens ok, but just wait until theres an accident and someone is hurt ok.the uber drivers insurance detail does not have public liability insurance. Also when he took his private policy out did he state he was using it for hire and reward? They might not pay out if they find out he had a passenger in his private car making a few quid and also not declaring it to revenue! Proper Taxis are all tax compliant every year otherwise they dont get their licence.as for your comment on rude ignorant Taxi drivers , you dont say that at 3 or 4 in the morning when you want to get home.Harbouring those views with your hatred for Taxi drivers is not good for the soul.You would be better off buying a bike and make your own way home!Chip on your shoulder!
Iv used Über in London, all over the states, India and the Middle East loads of times!
Such a brilliant and in my experience SAFE service.
Seems it’s just the “Oooh change is bad” Irish bumpkins who seem all begrudged!
Was in Mumbai. Used UBER all time. Its brilliant , New cars, Polite drivers with all driver info displayed at time of booking and cost less then normal taxi, on time every time. UBER ticks all boxes for me.
I use Uber in London. Fantastic concept. Very simple. You don’t even need to know the local taxi or cab numbers. Very fast turn up. Very good value. I would trust them far more than a black cab or mini cab. Far more modern and clean cars.
Not in any way convinced by UBER.
Used Uber recently in Auckland and Sydney. Great service, cheaper and more reliable than local taxi service. Would have no hesitation with it, cars were clean and drivers normal people. I’d imagine anyone putting it down either paid a fortune for taxi plates or has never used it. In any case, it’s almost identical to a hackney (mini) cab, which people in towns around Ireland use every weekend (or at least did when I lived there).
Uber Manager Kieran Harte did 2 lines of speed to prevent himself from falling asleep every time Michael Noonan spoke.
” centre of excellence”….. An Alan Partridge phrase if ever there was one
If you use your private vehicle for financial gain you are in breach of the terms of your insurance policy.
Simple.
Uber me @rse.
“remove the need for people to own private cars” i.e. busses, trains and bicycles, none of which push for the exploitation of insecure and unregulated employment.
What part of people want to have their own private car do these people not understand? Lots of people hate public transport and will never use it no matter how much you improve it.
People saying they used an Uber like saying they ate a McDonald’s .
Uber what ? X, pop, taxi , black , suv, XL, select, lux
If you use taxi its on the meter no surge or rip off pricing (people talking about rip off taxi, do electrical company rip you off? Both a meter pay as you use. Get out if you can’t pay €15.)
X is 30% cheaper and the driver pays them 20% of his 70% earned.
This driver won’t be on the road long enough to pay for rent and food and broken car and pay tax and car renewal.
XL is more expensive as a taxi
Black and select are over the price point of taxis so if you wish to pay him for his tie and polished car then good luck to you.
Pop sharing is for 2 people off you 4 friends
Who wants to share with a drunken stranger who prob smells too.
When you talk about getting an Uber, talk about what product you used.
Most taxis can be hailed by an app too and pay n track by app.
At least the taxi driver and car is licensed and 7 regulation enforcement offices over them from Gardai to racism to smoking.
If Uber is in trouble he loses his Xda or iPhone. No licence to lose or laws broken. No Uber laws in statute book.
No insurance for non Psv hire n reward on certificate.
No licence in window to know its insured
Uber driver might lose car in crash and wasn’t insured to carry paying pax. But noting to lose in his life. Why act like a taxi man when no authorities are over you, only a 1-2 star rating to worry about or get banned.
Race to the bottom
I hope they do not do what they have done in other countries here…
Seen a picture of the lads carrying in the briefcases with the winners inside to the golden globes last night…one of them is the absolute twin of Michael Noonan!!
Oh I see Uber got all their mates to put a word in for them from Australia and new Zealand.,saying Uber is great.There are only here in Ireland and in an unemployment blackspot in Limerick because of our generous corporate tax rate.! Why would a 51billion dollar rated company come to a very rural part of Ireland.big fanfare with Noonan standing beside Uber Manager delighed that he secured jobs for his hometown.Thats all he could get to go down there.And thats no disrespect to the good people of Limerick. They were ran out of the Uk and other countries but unfortunately our shortsighted minister was too concerned in looking good that he let this crowd in here.Watch this space, because Uber will not get an easy ride in this country either with here being a very regulated and over supplied Taxi industry. Fine Gael again, trying to look good at any cost.Thats why they didnt get a majority vote among other dodgy decisions.
“Dozens of Uber drivers ‘urinating in gardens, leaving Tesco bags of faeces in the road, and playing music through the night’ in residential streets near Heathrow”
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3391500/Dozens-Uber-drivers-urinating-gardens-leaving-Tesco-bags-faeces-road-playing-music-night-streets-near-Heathrow.html
Dude, uber is still coming, then the driverless cars.
How will they cope with our roads and our potholes?
It be too wet here for all those electrics and electronics as well?
http://youtu.be/ZYwMwa_6wW0
Listen to this ass
Stars is more important than having insurance
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