Uber’s recent launch of its taxi service in Saint Lucia has sparked mixed reactions. Some residents have welcomed the added choice and convenience, while others argue that the global ride-hailing company could threaten local operators.
That debate has raised a practical question about how Uber’s pricing actually compares with existing services.
To find out, St. Lucia Times compared Uber’s estimated fares against two well-known local ride-hailing apps, Allez and Tropicab, using two common routes. The first was a short commute from Derek Walcott Square in Castries to the Baywalk Shopping Mall. The second was a longer trip from Vieux Fort Plaza to the Pigeon Island Causeway.
For consistency, the comparison focused on the most basic multi-seat option on each platform, typically accommodating three to four passengers. All prices reflect the estimated fare displayed in each app before the ride is confirmed.
Users should note that Uber currently lists fares in US dollars rather than Eastern Caribbean dollars.
On the Castries to Baywalk route, Uber quoted a fare of US$27.16, which converts to approximately XCD$73 using a $2.7 exchange rate. Tropicab listed the same trip at XCD$54.17, while Allez came in at XCD$72.
For the longer journey from Vieux Fort to Pigeon Island, Uber’s upfront fare was US$121.47, or about XCD$328.28. Tropicab priced the trip at XCD$275, and Allez at XCD$317.
In all cases, the fares shown were upfront estimates and may increase by the end of the journey, depending on factors outlined in each company’s terms and conditions.
From a usability standpoint, all three apps offered a smooth, user-friendly experience. Routes were easy to select, prices were clearly displayed before confirmation, and signing up required little more than an email address and phone number.
Though Uber is still new to the local market, its pricing appears in line with the established services.
Only two offer the option for all the money to remain on island and strengthen the local economy at a deeper level in the long-term. I’ll leave you to guess which.
Was that a one way fare
Taxis services in Saint Lucia appears to cater mainly for tourist and visitors from the region. Our local people are left out of that service. Taxis can make more money if they make their services available to the ordinary man and woman by encouraging fare sharing among the local people. The mindset that Taxis are luxury for the rich and famous must be dispelled and that anyone can hire a taxi for long or short trips. Taxi Drivers should put more effort in exposing their business to the wider community and just not a few people. Many persons from Castries want to go shopping at Cul de Sac, Gros-Islet etc but don’t want to sit on a bus perspiring until the bus is ready to roll, they are willing to take a taxi and share the fare. The Taxi Driver must be more innovative to make his money and stop thinking of taxi not as luxury but as a business for all.
Yep, the prices quoted are one-way.