Uber announced on Thursday that the transport company will expand its services by partnering with Big Apple’s yellow taxis to overcome the driver shortage.
This partnership can add up to 13,600 cabs to the app if all the registered cab drivers partake in the collaboration. Uber is also reportedly working with taxi software companies Creative Mobile Technologies and Curb, to expand this partnership across the country.
What does this mean for the passengers and cabbies?
The collaboration would mean hassle-free travel and quicker service to passengers, as they will roughly pay the same fare as the UberX rides for the taxi trips.
It is a relief for cabbies as the partnership will get them paid according to New York’s ride-hail wage standards.
Uber’s partnership in one of its biggest US markets can defuse the long-held situation between the mobility giant and the taxi drivers—who have accused Uber of affecting their earnings.
Uber has already implemented similar collaboration with taxis in countries like Spain, Germany, Colombia, Austria, Turkey, and South Korea.