Uber has transformed the way people travel all over the world and from June 5th it will reach Bristol.

Bristol has become the first city in the South West of England to get the service, which sees users download a free app to their phone, order a cab to their exact location and watch in real time as their driver makes their way across the city to their pick–up point.

The company, which launched in San Francisco in 2009, already operates in hundreds of cities across the globe, including London and Manchester in the UK. It is currently focusing on a huge expansion in Europe, which it claims could create 50,000 new jobs.

Uber markets itself as a cheaper, more convenient and safer way to travel. It says its prices can be up to 20 per cent lower than private hire firms and eliminates the need for passengers to carry cash, with payments being made through the app.

Hundreds of drivers in Bristol have registered to become Uber “partners”. Unlike private hire companies, drivers for Uber do not work set shifts, and can fit their hours around their own schedule, as well as meeting demand during busier periods.

The way Uber, which describes itself as an “online platform” connecting riders and drivers rather than a transport provider, has caused some controversy, with claims drivers are not put through strenuous enough checks and the company is not accountable.

This has caused the app to be banned in some countries, including India.

But Uber Bristol’s general manager, Fred Jones, said Uber’s drivers are no different to other taxi drivers in the city. All Uber drivers in the UK have passed an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

“People seem to think that Uber has a different way of operating when it comes to drivers being regulated, but it doesn’t,” Fred explained. “Drivers are subject to the same checks by the local authority, and all of our Bristol drivers have worked closely with the city council. And are insured as private hire cars in exactly the same way as other taxis.”

Mr Jones said: “We are all really excited to be launching in Bristol. We chose it as the first location in the South West as we were seeing a huge amount of interest from both drivers and people wanting to use the service. Plus, Bristol is a very important city in the west.

“We have had a really positive response from drivers. And the most important thing for us is that all of our drivers love their jobs and are really passionate about customer service”.

The service being launched in Bristol today is UberX – the company’s most basic transport offering. The service is described as “cheap, fast and reliable”, and users can request a licensed driver in a “Toyota Prius or equivalent”.

UberX is also launching in a number of other UK cities including Leeds, Birmingham, Wakefield and Newcastle. If the service is well received across the city, some of Uber’s more luxury transport options could launch.

Mr Jones added: “Uber has been embraced by riders and drivers in every city it has opened in, and we’re sure Bristol will be no different.

“There is a lot of cool stuff you can do on the app; you can send your journey information to someone else who can then track your whereabouts and you can split the cost of a fare between you and your friends.

“We are confident that everyone will enjoy using Uber, and if they do we want them to spread the Uber love. Everyone at Uber Bristol is very excited.”

The driver’s view

The arrival of Uber in Bristol may not be good news for everyone. The news that the global company will be launching in the city has been met with mixed reviews by taxi drivers.

Some drivers have expressed concerns at being “under cut” by Uber, who claim to be cheaper, safer and more convenient than traditional taxi companies.

Tim Lloyd, 54, is the former chairman of the Bristol branch of the National Taxi Association and has been a Hackney cab driver in the city for 20 years.

He said: “Taxi drivers have a bad opinion of Uber because of safety. We are all monitored by the council, are fully traceable and are CRB checked, so there is someone accountable for us, but in some places the rules for Uber have not been as strict.”

Mr Lloyd added that drivers in Bristol were aware Uber was planning on launching in the city, and were concerned about what Ubers arrival in the city could mean for business.

He said: “In terms of business, I don’t really know what it would mean for us, but its more competition. I haven’t got a problem with competition, but it’s a concern for people who have spent a lot of money of vehicles to accommodate disabled people.

“You’ve got to have a level playing field but I think Uber would come in and undercut both us and private hire firms. It’s a concern for drivers in Bristol. It’s also taking away from local companies and drivers keeping money in the local economy.”

What is Uber?

Using the app, you can see who your driver will be and track where they are while you wait. To use the service, you need to download the Uber app on iTunes or the Google Play store. You sign up, and enter a credit card number.

You then book your taxi – your location is pinpointed with the GPS on your phone. You choose what kind of car you need, check the estimated price of the journey, and then you are told how long you will need to wait for your car to arrive. You can even see where it is on a map. You see a photo of your driver, their name, and a contact phone number.

When you arrive at your destination you won’t need to hand over cash as the company has your credit card details and you get an email the next day with a breakdown of the costs. You are also not expected to tip your driver.You can also split the fare between you and your friends.

Is it safe?

The drivers are vetted, so they should be safe. The advice is to exercise the same caution as you would when you got into any taxi cab. You get to rate the driver at the end of the journey.

Why is the app controversial?

Most taxi companies tell you the exact fare before you travel, but Uber gives you an estimate. Prices can go up significantly at busy times.

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