Uber announces Newport as its second Welsh branch

With our head offices situated down in Cardiff we like to keep an eye on the local hire market, with Cardiff’s redevelopment giving way to some incredible business opportunities. One market that always seems to triumph in Wales in vehicle rental, with the UK’s largest rental firm, Transport Broker Group, also found in central Wales.

Uber, the infamous taxi-booking app has this year introduced their services to Cardiff, today revealing that they will be opening a second branch in Cardiff’s neighbouring city, Newport. Suggesting a healthy start to their plans for Wales the transport firm must be generating sales, giving them the confidence to expand through the country.

A spokeswoman said:

“We look forward to offering a safe and affordable ride for people in Newport in the near future, especially following our success in Cardiff.

Uber has already proved popular in the more than 20 towns and cities across the UK and we’re excited to be able to open the app for private hire drivers who are licensed by Newport City Council.”

Yet to disclose a launch date the business will no doubt face another row with the city’s traditional taxi firms, with the huge competition Uber brings never going down well with rivals.

Other taxi-booking apps

Since the company made such an impression in London the vehicle hire market has given us a whole string of similar products, seeing many trying to duplicate the success of Uber. Below are a few examples of apps aiming to compete with Uber:

  • Hailo
  • Fair Bookings
  • Cabubble
  • Minicabit
  • Dad Taxi
  • Easy Taxi
  • And many more

Let us know what you think, can Newport cabbies compete with the likes of Uber or are their plans for world hire domination in full swing? Leave your comments with us.