Uber, the international smartphone app that connects riders with a private driver, has launched its low-cost option uberX in Johannesburg, alongside the high-end UberBLACK service which has been available since August last year.
Alon Lits, GM for Uber Johannesburg, says: “We are thrilled to launch uberX in Johannesburg today. This new service means that you can now enjoy the seamlessness, efficiency and industry-leading safety features of Uber at an extremely affordable price. We are humbled by the response of Jo’burg to Uber and we are already providing thousands of safe rides on a weekly basis.
“uberX means more riders can enjoy the benefits of the cashless, transparent service that Jo’burger’s love. Riders requesting a ride using the application will still be able to see their driver’s photo, name and registration before they get in the car. They will also still have access to a live GPS-enabled map throughout their journey so they can let their friends know when they’re likely to arrive.”
Lits says that a big part of Uber’s local strategy is to promote entrepreneurship and job creation. “Traditionally the metered taxi industry is one where drivers are salaried employees working specified shifts, without much freedom or flexibility. We partner with hundreds of independent business owners, who now have the flexibility to work as much and whenever they want Drivers make far more – and with greater flexibility – than any other option available to them.”
Earlier this week, Discovery Insure announced that its members will receive a 25% upfront discount on Uber trips, which provides a personal driver for their clients keeping them safer. In addition clients who pay for their trip with a Discovery Card are able to receive cash back of up to an additional 20% of the net spend. Should a Discovery Insure client with a valid claim be injured in an accident and unable to drive, they are able to waive their car hire benefit in exchange for Uber personal driver services of up to R5 000.
“We are excited about the partnership to allow our members to obtain additional benefits from Uber’s great services. At Discovery, we constantly look into ways to harness the power of technology to deliver innovative solutions for our clients, adding value to their daily lives and having a profound impact on society,” says Discovery Insure CEO Anton Ossip.
“Uber believes in the benefits of progressive and safe transportation, and we have already seen the way that the Uber service is revolutionising the way Jo’burger’s go about their daily lives. Our vision is that uberX will be so affordable, reliable and efficient that the need for car ownership in the city will soon become a thing of the past,” adds Lits.
