Technology Driven UberX Ride Enters Nigerian Market

Uber, the technology company that connects riders with drivers through a smartphone application, recently launched its low cost option, uberX as a safe, reliable and flexible alternative to urban transportation in Lagos.

To book an Uber ride, users must download the free application, available on Android, iPhone and Blackberry 7 mobile devices, or register for Uber at its website and follow the instructions.

The rider sees their driver’s photo, name, registration plate and rating before the car arrives. Providing them with all the information they need to ensure a safe and secure ride.

The uberX ride is typically a Toyota Camry, Kia Cerato, Hyundai Elantra or Honda Accord with a base fare of N500, N10 per minute and N110 per kilometer.

Uber is a completely cashless system, meaning an Uber rider’s fare is charged automatically and electronically to their credit or debit card, protecting both riders and drivers, and ensuring that all payments are traceable.

Uber rides have a GPS tracking system which sees where the rider is on the map, making pickup more efficient than alternate means of transportation.

Riders also have access to a live GPS-enabled map throughout their journey and can share this with a third party – such as family, partners or friends – who can track their progress to their destination.

Commenting on the service, Ebi Atawodi, general manager, Uber Lagos said, “People are changing the way they connect with their cities and get around, and we feel Uber is a big part of this revolution. We believe Nigerians should be allowed more choice in the way they travel and with uberX, we now offer unrivalled value for getting around Lagos safely and securely, at the touch of a button.”

She further stated that “To ensure that Uber riders receive the highest quality rides and reliability, all partner drivers have to have a driver institute card and commercial insurance before they are allowed to drive on the Uber system. Further all our drivers are vetted by the Uber team, making Uber the safest way to get around.”

The introduction of the service to the Nigerian market has created a positive impact in the job market as an avenue for potential drivers to partner with Uber thus creating flexibility in their schedule and earnings.

Also available in Lagos is UberBlack; the high-end luxury Uber, riders in Nigeria can also use the Uber application when they travel to any other city in the world that Uber operates in.

Ube is evolving the way the world moves, seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through smartphone technology.

Its goal is to facilitate the safest, highest quality and reliable transportation options at multiple price points, with the fastest response time.

The mission is nothing less than a revolution in the way citizens of the world move, work and lives.

Atawodi added that Uber aspires to transform the way people connect with their communities and to bring reliability, convenience and opportunity to transport systems.

The Uber network is now available in over 277 cities across 51 countries and 6 continents.