Uber opens its platform to taxi companies nationwide: New opportunities for the industry

The ride service intermediary Uber is expanding its app to allow all taxi companies in Germany to use the platform for their services. Previously, this was only possible in 16 German cities. From now on, taxi drivers and rental car companies can register without monthly membership fees or long-term contracts, enabling them to open up additional revenue streams and increase their utilization and income. This strategic decision by Uber reflects a global shift in direction. Originally, the company primarily facilitated the services of its competitors. Now, however, the corporation is also trying to attract taxi drivers to its platform. For instance, in cities such as Berlin and Munich, taxis can be booked via the app originally launched in the USA. In the capital city alone, around 20 percent of all taxis use the platform. Nationwide, over 4,000 taxi drivers cooperate with Uber. Uber's Germany head, Christoph Weigler, emphasizes the benefits of this new openness. "By opening the app to all taxi drivers across Germany, we underscore our interest in being a partner to the taxi industry. Taxis can also benefit from digitalization and the high demand on our platform," explained Weigler. The technological solution of the Uber app enables easy and transparent mediation of additional orders. The expanded availability of the Uber app also presents new competition for traditional taxi dispatch centers and platforms such as Bolt and Freenow, which primarily arrange services for rental car companies. These rental car companies are often accused of not meeting all legal requirements and sometimes engaging in social fraud. Uber stressed, however, that the company exclusively cooperates with local, licensed taxi and rental car companies whose drivers possess the required passenger transport licenses and meet all legal requirements. All rides are fully insured.