Uber trumps cabs for short trips

Uber has become an easier mode of transport within Auckland’s CBD, popular with young adults who prefer it over public transport.

Emma Wilson-Hills, 22, a freelance news editor uses Uber twice a day on weekdays to get to work.

“If public transport in Auckland was better, I would be more inclined to use it. Buses don’t come as frequently for them to be convenient,” said Ms Wilson-Hills.

“Buses sometimes drive past me because they are full, adding 20 minutes or an hour to my commute.”

AUT student James Olsen, 20, another regular Uber user, prefers it for short trips as well as late nights out on weekends.

Mr Olsen uses Uber more frequently within the city as he finds it cheaper than cabs.

AUT student James Olsen, 20, uses Uber frequently within the central city. Photo: Nilam Patel

Students may be more inclined to use Uber due to incentives, said Roger Heale, executive director of The New Zealand Taxi Federation Inc.

“Based on anecdotal evidence that we have, kids love using Uber when they get the free vouchers,” said Mr Heale.

“But as soon as those vouchers stop they don’t use them.”

Ms Wilson started using the service in November last year, when her friend gave her a free code. But she has more reasons for choosing Uber over cabs.

“It’s easier to organise a ride, not having to use minutes from my mobile. Or worry about cash, it all happens automatically,” she said.

Uber’s simple interface connects passengers to drivers. Passengers enter their location and destination and receive an estimate before their credit card is charged.

“The drivers are also a lot nicer and cars cleaner.”

Threat to taxis?

Both Ms Wilson and Mr Olsen recalled incidents when their Uber drivers were moonlighting taxi drivers, working for other taxi companies.

“I had a driver ask me once, if he could remove his signage,” said Mr Olsen. “A few others just carried on without making it obvious.”

Taxi federation companies, however, have a zero tolerance policy towards moonlighting.

“Every driver who works outside the taxi industry has to declare his or her secondary employment to the company,” said Mr Heale.

“Uber has absolutely no desire to comply with any regulation. It doesn’t regulate its drivers,” he said.

Uber doesn’t traditionally operate as a taxi company, but more as a private hire service.

The drivers are contractors, and Uber acts as a middle agent connecting drivers with passengers. Uber vehicles are also not allowed to run a meter.

Mr Olsen recalled just one bad experience he had with Uber: The app malfunctioned and he got charged a cancellation fee.

“I sent them an email about it and within a few minutes I got a reply,” said Mr Olsen. “They gave me a refund.”