‘A serious threat to taxi drivers and taxi services’: Uber criticised by Kildare rep over fixed pricing model

Uber has been criticised by a Kildare county councillor over its new fixed pricing model.

The transport giant's new system allows Uber passengers to pay an up-front price calculated by the app's own algorithm, in contrast to the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) regulated meter fare.

This price is dictated by a number of factors, including weather, time of day and traffic. 

Uber's plans have come under fire from taxi drivers, who have alleged that the new model will impact their income, and has also led to the the Minister of Transport, Darragh O'Brien TD, writing to the NTA and requesting it to investigate the drivers' concerns.

And now, Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender has joined in on criticising the company's new model.

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The Newbridge-based rep said: "Taxi drivers keep our towns moving; they deserve fair pay and the same rules for everyone.

"If companies like Uber are allowed to undercut regulated fares, you will see fewer taxis on the road and longer waits for passengers, particularly at peak times like the Christmas period."

He continued: "Lower prices mean nothing if people cannot get a taxi when they need one.

"A reliable taxi service depends on drivers being able to make a decent living.

"I fully support the call for stronger regulation so that the NTA regulated fare system applies to all taxi services; this is about protecting drivers and protecting the public."

He also pointed out that two TDs aligned with his party, Jen Cummins and Jennifer Whitmore, have both called for urgent action in order to ensure multinational platforms cannot bypass regulated fares.

"Around 18,000 drivers and their families depend on a fair and properly enforced system," Cllr Pender added.

He concluded by asserting that he would "continue to raise this issue locally and nationally in support of drivers, passengers, and fair access to transport".

Uber has been contacted by the Leinster Leader in relation to Cllr Pender's comments.

Cllr Pender also made headlines yesterday (November 27 last) when he encouraged the general public to help transition Newbridge into a more Autism-friendly town.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.