Uber and General Motors’ Cruise have announced a multi-year partnership to integrate Cruise’s autonomous vehicles into the Uber platform. The collaboration aims to launch next year with Chevy Bolt-based autonomous vehicles, offering riders the option to choose self-driving rides. Both companies see the partnership as a significant step towards making autonomous technology accessible and safe for consumers worldwide.
Uber has hired Rebecca Tinucci, a former Tesla executive, to spearhead its transition to electric vehicles. Tinucci will oversee the ride-hailing platform’s shift towards a zero-emissions future, aiming to achieve complete sustainability by 2040. This strategic move showcases Uber’s commitment to environmental responsibility and aligns with its broader sustainability goals.
Taxi drivers in Kenya are pushing back against low fares set by ride-hailing companies Uber and Bolt, forcing them to negotiate higher rates with passengers. This clash highlights the challenges of balancing driver needs with customer expectations in a developing market.
An Uber driver in Delhi kicked out two passengers, a Pakistani man and his female friend, after they allegedly made anti-India remarks. The incident, captured on video, sparked debate online, with some praising the driver and others criticizing his actions.
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.
