Uber has opened registration for licensed taxi drivers in Saint Lucia, ahead of the ride-hailing app’s planned launch on the island.
In an announcement issued on December 16, the company said licensed taxi operators can now sign up through the Uber Driver app. The platform will operate exclusively under the Uber Taxi model, meaning only properly licensed taxi drivers will be permitted to complete trips.
“We are looking for licensed taxi drivers who want to increase their earnings through technology and reach a growing segment of tourists who already know and prefer the Uber app,” said Jorge Cordero, General Manager for Uber in Saint Lucia.
“The onboarding process is now active for our Uber Taxi option, which focuses on rides completed by licensed taxis.”
Uber said it is also engaging taxi associations and transportation companies across the island, encouraging them to express interest in joining the platform through a dedicated registration process.
“Our goal is to work collaboratively with licensed taxi operators and their organisations as we prepare for Uber Taxi on the island,” Cordero said.
According to the company, Uber Taxi allows operators to connect with both residents and visitors, particularly tourists who already rely on the Uber app when travelling. The model is already in use across several Caribbean territories, including Barbados, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
Drivers registering for the platform will be required to submit standard documentation, including a valid driver’s licence, taxi permit, insurance, banking details, a profile photograph and a background check.
Uber said its immediate focus is onboarding interested drivers and engaging with them. The company noted that once preparations are complete, it will formally announce the launch of the service in Saint Lucia.
Find out when regular drivers will be.onboaeded. this exclusivity to registered taxi drivers is discriminatory and maybe illegal..As usual St Lucia always has some stupid rules to restrict the freedom for people to prosper. It’s always those who have already that benefit.
Sounds a good scheme, but what about checking out the state of the car, that it is safe and working properly
and the upholstery is in good order , clean and not damaged
Good
What are the conditions, are the rates controlled by Uber
This is a great opportunity for everyone who has a vehicle which is in great condition and wants to start a business.
Restricting this to licensed taxi driver is not only discriminatory but also criminal. This should be an opportunity in cut into the unemployment with great people who can do a good job and in some instances better than some licensed taxi drivers.
I take myself as an example who have driven tourists, done tour guiding who has higher education in tourism and has the personality to match may be interested.
To me, this has to be an opportunity for everyone interested. Do the interviews and choose but not just for licensed taxi drivers.
I have used uber in north America and they did not have vehicles that said taxi. My 2 cents.
Apparently this is Uber “taxi” model and not Uber “rideshare” which is what we see in North America. So this is not criminal. It may have been established due to the very high number of registered and authorised taxi driverswho already exist on island. Taxi drivers are currently at a disadvantage due to piracy so this is a good opportunity for them. If the rates are controlled by Uber then we probably wont be charged as much for short trips as well.