Uber to launch ‘Local Cab’ pilot in Exeter

Passengers in Exeter will be able to book a trip with local operators Apple Central Taxis and Need-A-Cab via the Uber app

Uber has today announced that Exeter is the latest city in which it is launching its new product, ‘Local Cab’. The Local Cab product will enable passengers in the city to book a trip with two local taxi companies via the Uber app.

Anyone opening the Uber app in Exeter will see the ‘Local Cab’ option which will connect passengers to taxi firms Apple Central Taxis and Need-A-Cab. Users will have to download the latest version of the app to be able to see the Local Cab product. 

Despite the Uber app being opened as many as 25,000 times per month in Exeter, passengers have not previously been able to book a ride via the Uber app.

To meet this demand, and enable use of the app beyond the 40 towns and cities Uber currently operates in in the UK, Uber is looking to work with local operators across the country. 

Steve Screech, General Manager at Apple Central Taxis, said: “We’re delighted to be one of the first operators in the UK to pilot ‘Local Cab.’ This will give the people of Exeter another way to book with both Apple Central Taxis and Need-A-Cab Exeter.”  

Dave McIntosh, Director at Need-A-Cab Exeter, added: “Anyone visiting Exeter, that already uses the Uber app, will now find it easy to book a ride with a local operator. With the boost in passengers, we will also be looking to welcome new drivers to the company.”  

Ash Kebriti, UK General Manager, Uber, said: “Every month, we see thousands of people in towns and cities across the UK where we currently don’t operate open the Uber app and try to request a trip. Launching this pilot of Local Cab in Exeter is an exciting first step in connecting these riders with local operators so that eventually the Uber app can be used anywhere in the country.”