A viral video has emerged, showcasing an altercation between a woman passenger and an Uber driver after their vehicle broke down during their journey. The woman allegedly became enraged when the driver requested payment for the distance covered before the breakdown, leading to an outburst of insults and humiliation. The incident has drawn widespread attention on social media, with users expressing support for the driver and calling on Uber to take action against the passenger.
Uber has received an aggregator license under the Delhi Premium Bus Scheme, allowing it to operate shuttle bus services for commuters in Delhi-NCR. Passengers can pre-book seats on their preferred route through the Uber Shuttle option in the Uber app, providing a seamless and convenient commuting experience.
Uber is offering significant financial incentives to drivers in London to switch to electric vehicles (EVs). The company will provide a £5,000 grant to drivers who purchase or lease a new or used EV. Additionally, EV drivers will receive three months of free charging credits worth £750 through bp Pulse, followed by an exclusive discounted charging rate. Uber is also partnering with bp Pulse to offer drivers additional financial assistance ranging from £12,000 to £17,000 towards the purchase of various EV models. These incentives aim to accelerate the electrification of the ride-hailing sector and contribute to the decarbonization of transport in Europe.
Over 10,000 London black cab drivers have filed a lawsuit against Uber, accusing the ride-hailing giant of breaching taxi-booking rules in the capital. The legal claim alleges that Uber’s booking system was illegal and misled Transport for London (TfL), causing losses to cab drivers from May 2012 to March 2018. The group action, known as BULiT21, is seeking damages of up to 250 million pounds, with each driver potentially entitled to up to 25,000 pounds. Uber has denied any wrongdoing and claims it operates lawfully in London. The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between traditional taxi drivers and ride-hailing services, with concerns over fairness and compliance with regulations.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has requested a report from the Karnataka Police regarding allegations of sexual abuse involving Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna within three days. The NCW, in a letter to the Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP), condemned the incident and emphasized the need for prompt action to apprehend Revanna, who has fled the country. Revanna was suspended from his party, JD(S), following the allegations, which include the circulation of explicit video clips allegedly involving him and multiple women. Separately, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi asserted that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the current Lok Sabha elections, it will “tear apart” and “throw away” the Indian Constitution. Gandhi highlighted the importance of the Constitution in protecting the rights of marginalized communities. In other news, a Delhi-based doctor expressed her concerns about Uber’s safety measures after experiencing an accident while traveling with the service. She raised concerns about inexperienced drivers and has decided to boycott the company. Additionally, students from the University of Utah joined pro-Palestinian demonstrations, demanding the institution divest from its Israeli connections. The protests have led to the establishment of nearly 20 tent encampments on campus grounds.
Four Las Vegas restaurants have filed a class-action lawsuit against Uber, alleging that the ride-hailing company allowed impostor restaurants to use their names and identities to siphon business on its Uber Eats delivery service. According to the lawsuit, Uber’s failure to verify restaurant identities allowed malicious actors to create fake pages and deceive customers, resulting in lost revenue for the legitimate businesses.
Swedish financial technology company Klarna has announced a global partnership with Uber to power payments for the ride-hailing giant’s Uber and Uber Eats apps. The partnership will see Klarna added as a payment option in the U.S., Germany, and Sweden, along with Klarna’s “Pay Now” option, which lets customers pay off an order instantly in one click, in the Uber and Uber Eats apps. Klarna will also offer an additional payment option for Uber users in Sweden and Germany which allows users to bundle purchases into a single, interest-free payment that gets taken out of their monthly salary. The deal marks one of the most significant merchant wins for Klarna of late, and comes as the European fintech giant is rumored to be gearing up for a blockbuster initial public offering that could value the firm at north of $20 billion.
Uber’s profitability surge in 2023, driven by cost reduction and revenue growth, has boosted investor sentiment. The company’s network effect, additional services, and potential for self-driving taxis make it a compelling investment for aggressive investors.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s announcement of the company’s plans for a robotaxi fleet during the Tuesday earnings call has caused shares of Uber Technologies and Lyft to decline in early Wednesday trading. The concept would allow Tesla owners to rent out their vehicles for a ride-hailing service, while Tesla plans to own vehicles in the fleet and generate revenue from the program. Tesla is scheduled to hold a key robotaxi event on August 8th, and these announcements have investors keeping a close eye on the development and potential impact on the ride-hailing industry.
Uber Technologies Inc. has expanded its services to Newfoundland and Labrador, offering ridesharing throughout the Avalon Peninsula, with St. John’s as the primary service area. However, users are advised to expect extended wait times initially as the platform establishes itself and attracts more drivers. The company’s expansion to the province marks its presence in over 140 Canadian municipalities and more than 10,000 cities worldwide.
