IS Cebu ready for the American ride-sharing service Uber?
Uber marketing manager EJ Dela Vega said it is, especially Metro Cebu.
“We have collected a lot of data. We know when people open the application. Even when there is no Uber driver available in the region, Cebu lit up. There is a demand,” he said at the sidelines of an orientation for potential Uber drivers in Cebu last Saturday.
Identified hotspots in Cebu where locals opened the application include the Cebu I.T. Park, Waterfront Hotel, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
He said Uber Cebu will cater to a specific niche market, specifically those passengers who have credit or debit cards.
The company will operate 100 percent cashless in Cebu.
Dela Vega said this ensures the safety and convenience of passengers since they don’t have to bring as much money with them when riding one of the Uber-accredited vehicles.
“Every rider has a credit or debit card and is therefore verified to be real,” Dela Vega said.
“The safety of our partners and passengers is priority,” he added. He said Uber Cebu can serve a market of 2,500 to 3,500 people.
Their initial plans include covering the routes from Consolacion town to Talisay City and Mactan.
The official launch of Uber Cebu and marketing of their app will be held once they get enough partners on the road, dela Vega said.
“Why not try it out? If you have a depreciating asset, in this instance a car, it’s (Uber) a faster way to get back the assets, and generate a secondary income stream, instead of keeping it in the garage,” dela Vega said.
Uber uses a smartphone application to connect to partner drivers and passengers.
Unlike drivers of taxis and other public utility vehicles, Uber drivers make use of their own cars and work on their own time at their own pace.
Uber has been operating in Manila for two years and decided to expand its reach in the Visayas region, beginning with Cebu.
Dela Vega said several information sessions for interested locals who want to partner as drivers or operators with the company have been held.
Registering with the company is completely free, with Uber guaranteeing zero upfront costs.
Dela Vega said all interested applicants are required to submit documents, such as their vehicle’s official receipt and car registration, NBI and PNP clearance, as well as a professional driver’s license.
The vehicle to be used must also be a brand and model from 2012 or newer, as mandated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
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