Picture from iStock via Kent Online
Uber has launched in another Kent district today in Thanet near the seaside town of Margate. With Uber rising in traditional towns across Kent, cab services in these areas may be at risk of losing business.
Despite the launch, cab drivers are hopeful that their customers will remain loyal and stick with them through the hardship.
The popular taxi app has already launched its services in Kent areas such as Gillingham, Chatham, and Rainham, working alongside traditional cab drivers across the Medway towns.
Uber was issued an Operator’s license in the Thanet area starting from Wednesday 10 July 2024 and is valid for 5 years. The multinational company has promised new beginnings and greater options for residents requiring people to book via an app.
Kevin Meadows who has worked for Central Cars for 12 years told the Extra
“I’d say 50-60% of my passengers are retirement age.”
“They don’t even like doing online banking so they certainly not going to know how to book a cab on an app”
“They don’t even know what an app does”
Currently a Hackney carriage or private hire needs to complete a £130 local knowledge test and Mr Meadows was curious whether Uber drivers would need to meet the same standards and regulations.
The 57-year-old added that he believes they are granting a license due to the waiting times of cabs in and around the local area.
Jamie Burley who also works for Central Cars believes the competition could be good and keep standards high, arguing that competition makes sures you are not complacent and keep striving to be better.
Only time will tell on whether this is a good thing or not. However, when the lift service announced plans to encroach on Medway, there was significant backlash from local taxi firms, but that has slowly calmed down so maybe we will see the same for Thanet.