UberX marks the spot for new app to call a taxi

Jean-Pierre Mondalek, Uber’s general manager for the UAE, says his agency gives business to transport companies. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

ABU DHABI // For those wanting to avoid the endless wait for taxis during the hot summer months, a cheaper and more convenient alternative is now available after Uber launched a new lower-cost service.

UberX is a smartphone app that promises to deliver safe, convenient, and reliable transport services at an even more affordable price. Uber is used an alternative to regular taxis. Travellers can book a private driver and order cars to their doorsteps in less than seven minutes.

However, there has been mixed response from customers trying out the new service.

Alexandra Tohme, a Dubai resident, said she used Uber frequently and was satisfied overall with the service. “It is safer than normal taxis, it’s more convenient. I don’t have to wait around in the heat flagging down a taxi, which may or may not stop,” she said.

But there are some who are still hesitant to use the service because of its payment and operational module.

“I don’t like the idea of sharing my credit card details with any web app, especially when one reads so many online theft stories every second day,” said Sajid Ahmad, an Abu Dhabi resident.

“I’d rather pay cash. Similar to the Uber app, one needs to open its GPS and location service, which is also something I am not comfortable with.”

Uber, launched in 2009 in the US, says it aimed to deliver safe, convenient and reliable transport services to its customers. It is available in 45 countries and more than 205 cities and was launched in Abu Dhabi in December last year.

Anyone wanting to use the service must first download the free Uber app on to their smartphone and register. After filling in the required information, including credit card details, the user is connected with Uber services.

Jean-Pierre Mondalek, Uber’s general manager for the UAE, said: “We are not a transport company. We are intermediaries that connect riders with our driver partners through our app. We not only provide fast, efficient transportation to riders, but also give business to transport companies.”

Uber connects riders with licensed drivers by partnering with existing transport providers in Abu Dhabi. Mr Mondalek said that, like customers, drivers also need to register themselves. The moment a request is registered the nearest and earliest available driver is connected with the customer.

A range of options, including female drivers for women passengers, and vehicles that cater for people with disabilities, are also available.

“In just a few months, thousands of people in the UAE, nationals and expatriates, have used Uber,” he said.

Uber offers its services worldwide. “For instance if you are visiting the USA or India or any part of the world where Uber is available, you just need to register the request via Uber and the car would reach your doorstep within seven minutes,” Mr Mondalek said. “That is why Uber is getting popular among frequent travellers.”