During the DLD15 (Digital Life Design) Conference in Munich, Uber CEO and founder Travis Kalanick claimed the company is committed to establishing new partnerships with Europes cities to ensure innovation, harness powerful economic benefits and promote core city functions.
The app, which launched in San Francisco 2009 and is now available in 200 cities, allows users to book cabs and track drivers, delivering what’s considered a mutually beneficial service for consumers and businesses.
Kalanick appears to be resolute on global domination, with Europe a key focus, having also said: Its only the beginning. This year, in close partnership with European cities, we can take 400,000 cars off the road, expand UberPOOL and reduce emissions, all while creating 50,000 new jobs across the continent.
UberPOOL is a concept that was introduced to let travellers on a similar journey to share the ride and split the fare, not unlike Zipcar and Lyft, taking it into sharing economy territory.
Read more on the sharing economy:
- Government-commissioned sharing economy report endorsed by Richard Branson
- The security problem with the sharing economy
- The sharing economy is remarkably widespread in the UK
However, while it may sound like a positive mission, the company hasn’t been without its controversies. London cabbies have fought against the platform on more than one occasion, with 12,000 black cab drivers protesting over regulations and legalities of the operation in June 2014 it backfired when app downloads increased by 850 per cent.
Seemingly in a bid to avoid further potential problems with the law, Uber claims it’s working with governments on new rules to ensure public safety is protected, choice and competition thrive and economic growth and tax revenue rise.
In terms of choice and competitions, the goal is to provide drivers with increased earnings when compared to more traditional methods of transportation employment. Additionally, Uber believes cities should end limits on transportations jobs, which is critical not only for professional drivers but also those who want to drive a few hours a day on their own schedule to supplement their income.
The business also claims app-based transportation brings transportation economy on the grid to evolve the industry which has long been cash-based, with plans to work closely with tax authorities to increase transportation providers compliance and overall tax revenue for cities and countries across Europe.
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