Uber a step closer to launching in Cardiff

Taxi app Uber has been granted a licence to operate in Cardiff by the city’s council, meaning it’s just one step closer to coming to the Welsh capital.

While this may be the case, the company has said it doesn’t have an exact launch date in mind and still needs to recruit a team of drivers to work in the city.

Using the app, you’re able to book a journey and be tracked down by a taxi driver via GPS. Founded in San Francisco in 2009, it has risen to fame right around the world.

Valued in the region of $50 billion, it’s now available in 58 countries, and the UK is one of them. The current British locations are Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “In order to launch in a new city, Uber needs two things. The first is a licence to operate in the city and the second is a team on the ground to run the business.

“Uber has been granted an operator’s licence by Cardiff City Council but we are still recruiting for a local team. Only when we have a strong local team, can we look forward to being able to offer a safe, reliable and affordable choice for people in Cardiff.”

The news has been met appraisal by the people of the city, and there’s been a lot of debate in the Cardiff Start Facebook page – a community of start-ups and creatives.

One person commented: “I’ve used them extensively in London and the US, and can’t wait for them arrive in Cardiff. Markedly cheaper than black or yellow cabs, and safer for the drivers. They know the passenger has a smartphone, a debit/credit card, and they don’t have to handle money.”

Many have pointed towards existing service Dragons Taxis. “I am a big Uber user when I’m away, but honestly, if you’re in Cardiff, check out Dragon Taxi’s own app. I don’t think they’ve developed it, seems turnkey, designed to combat Uber and similar,” a member of the community said.