Uber Expands Their Service Offering in Toronto by Adding Taxi Service

By: Kuljit Grewal  |   September 2nd, 2012   |   Android, Business, Cars, iOS, News, O Canada

In an attempt to serve their current and future users in Toronto as best they can, on-demand driver service Uber has added taxis to their list of vehicles. The service, which licenses professional drivers in high end black sedans and SUVs, functions as a smartphone app based on your exact GPS location.

 

Co-founded by Canadian Garrett Camp, Uber has been slowly adding to their services in Toronto since introducing black sedans in March of this year. Following the addition of SUV’s in July (TQ was on it), the company is adding the ability to call local taxis in order to meet the needs of Canada’s largest metropolis.

 

The integration of taxis, which has been testing in Chicago in April represents a different approach for the company. According to the good people at BetaKit, Uber plans on partnering with individual drivers in Toronto offering them greater earnings potential above and beyond their standard taxi fees. Uber plans on training the drivers in order to meet the company’s standards allowing for the ultimate user experience. They will also provide them with iPhone hardware and other incentives rather than partnering with actual taxi companies.

 

The taxi service is expected to serve Toronto’s 2.5 million residents (5.5 million when considering the GTA as a whole) and in doing so will help in meeting resident needs. Uber Toronto’s General Manager Andrew MacDonald feels that Toronto’s current transportation systems are underfunded and overwhelmed, allowing Uber to help by providing a myriad of transportation options.

 

Taxi rates will remain as they are for any other metered cab ride in the city along with a 20% premium. This premium includes an automatic tip for the Uber-partnered driver, helping them earn more. The taxi option will appear as a brand new icon within existing iOS and Android apps following a Labour Day weekend launch.