Uber launched its service in Christchurch at the weekend, allowing locals for the first time to download the app for rides in the city.
The Uber brand has become the rival of local taxis and its sharing of fares has proved very popular with customers. It has successfully penetrated over 400 cities across the globe and its popularity continues to grow because of its unique position in catering to supply and demand, leading to cheaper fares. The company said its ridesharing service would give residents and visitors new possibilities when travelling around Christchurch.
According to the New Zealand Herald, Uber says people can go out for a glass of wine without worrying over excessive taxi costs. It added that small business firms no longer have to be near transport hubs to get a proper service. Uber says that Cantabrians and the local economy will benefit positively, making it a more vibrant and better connected place.
An economic study of the Uber phenomenon has found that its premise beats more traditional taxi formats due to the way they share rides. A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research says that the driver-passenger matching technology, on top of the flexibility it allows drivers, gives it a major advantage in keeping the meters ticking.
