Uber has launched the “white taxi” service in Cairo with the aim of creating more economic opportunities for taxi drivers, and providing more options for passengers.
A source at Uber told Daily News Egypt that the company started operating its transport services via Cairo’s white taxis a few days ago, and that it would officially announce the service in the coming weeks. Careem allows taxi drivers to join under its umbrella through the application since 2016.
The source said that the base fare is EGP 7.25, plus EGP 2.5 per km, up to EGP 3 after 30 kilometres, as well as EGP 0.35 per minute of waiting time. The minimum charge is EGP 12.
According to the source, Uber will get a 19% commission from taxi drivers on the cost of each trip, including 2% VAT.
Uber employs more than 150,000 captains who passenger cars through UberX and Uber Select.
According to the White Taxi Drivers and Owners Association, the number of white taxi cars in Egypt is estimated at 376,000 with a market value exceeding EGP 75bn.
The Competition Protection Agency approved at the end of December Uber’s absorption of its rival company Careem under the condition that it protects both passengers and drivers and ensures the ability of new operators to enter the market.
