The online transportation network company, Uber, has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most popular forms of transportation globally but will this service motivate users to eventually offload their vehicles?
An Uber spokesperson said: “Most South Africans appreciate how useful Uber is for weekend partying or getting to the airport. But an increasing number of people are now using Uber as their exclusive mode of transport.”
The spokesperson added that in time to come, Uber predicts the future will be less about car ownership and more about car-sharing as smart car cities look for smarter solutions to increase mobility while reducing pollution, infrastructure costs and environmental impacts.
When enquiring about how Uber will benefit the economy, the spokesperson explained that the service intends to create more economic opportunities within South Africa, but a key part of this would be to adapt the licensing process. “This is critical not only for professional drivers but also those who want to drive a few hours a day on their own schedule to supplement their income. The transportation economy can then better provide opportunity for those looking for more flexibility as well as the unemployed and the underemployed.”
Uber spokesperson concluded: “Over time as people get used to the idea that you can always push a button and get a ride [and] the need to own a car, or buy a second family car, goes down. “
Research conducted by My Treasury (based on the calculations of a Toyota Corolla 1.8 Exclusive) stated that consumers would save as much as R14 000 per year by selling their car and switching to Uber.
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