Uber arrives in Glasgow – here’s what you need to know

UBER launches its services in Glasgow this weekend.

Here’s all that you need to know about the new private hire service – what it is, how it works and why it’s controversial.

What is Uber?

Uber is essentially an online booking service that can be used through a smartphone app.

The service connects passengers to registered drivers operating nearby using the phone’s GPS.

Glasgow is the first Scottish city that Uber will launch in, with the app going live at 4pm today.

Max Lines, General Manager for Uber Glasgow, said: “Launching in Uber’s first Scottish city is incredibly exciting for us.

“Uber is not only incredibly convenient for riders, it also enables professional drivers the opportunity to partner with us and become their own bosses, choosing when they work.”

How does it work?

Users sign up for an Uber account online or through the app and input their contact and payment details.

Bookings can then be made on the app when you’re out and about by selecting where you are on a map.

Once the cab is booked, the driver’s information and location are shown alongside an estimated arrival time.

The fare is paid through the app and is charged to the credit or debit card linked to your Uber account – no cash is involved.

Is it cheaper than other taxis?

Uber claim their fares are cheaper than traditional taxi companies. They say, for example, that a journey from the city centre to Glagow Airport would cost £12.04 in comparison to £13 in a private-hire car or £25 in a black cab.

The company takes around 20% of the fare for listing the driver as part of their service.

Uber has been controversial, especially in London where black-cab drivers have launched protests (Dan Kitwood / Getty)

Why is it controversial?

Uber has faced numerous legal challenges and has not been welcomed by many taxi operators.

Safety fears have also been raised in areas where there are less strict checks on drivers and vehicles.

Glasgow City Council have issued a license to Uber and the company says that their service has passed all the checks that private hire cars have.

Just this morning, Uber won a high court case over their London service with the court ruling that their fare system method didn’t constitute a “taximeter” which only black-cab drivers can use in London.

This issue had caused widespread protests from London taxi drivers in recent weeks.

How will it fare in Glasgow?

Uber looks like it will bring a new experience of booking taxis to Glasgow and will compete with existing firms.

It’s not the first app based service in the city with Gett, which offers £5 black-cab rides within the city centre, launching earlier this year.

More and more Glasgow taxi companies have apps too if you choose to stick with them.

Social media reaction:

Is it sad that I'm so excited that @Uber has finally set up in Glasgow! Yay! ?

— BLACKLASH (@BlackLashMUA) October 16, 2015

Uber vs Glasgow Taxis. That should be interesting…

— Dan Tausney (@dantausney) October 16, 2015

Uber arrives in Glasgow. This is THE FUTURE.

— Ciaran (@ciaranxyz) October 16, 2015

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