Ride-hailing giant Uber has officially expanded its services to Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston, marking a significant step in the company’s reach into Cumbria’s rural transport network.
While Uber has previously operated a limited service in Windermere and Kendal—where users could book a local taxi through the app—the company had yet to introduce its own fleet of drivers in the region. Now, for the first time, residents in Barrow and Ulverston will have full access to Uber’s ride-hailing service.
Mixed Reactions to Uber’s Expansion
The arrival of Uber has sparked mixed reactions, particularly among business and transport industry representatives.
Suzanne Caldwell of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce acknowledged the complexities of the move, stating:
“The arrival of Uber was, I suppose, inevitable. To be honest, I’m not sure whether it’s a good or a bad thing – there are a number of pros and cons.”
For some, Uber provides greater convenience and increased transport options in an area where taxi availability has traditionally been limited. However, concerns persist about the impact on local taxi and private hire drivers, who now face direct competition from the global ride-hailing firm.
One local commenter voiced concerns about the effect on independent drivers, stating:
“Doing local lads out of a job, so no, it’s not a good idea.”
The Future of Ride-Hailing in Cumbria
Uber’s expansion into Cumbria has long been complicated by the region’s rural nature and low driver density, making it difficult to sustain the same level of service as in urban areas. However, with the company now launching a fully operational service, the long-term impact on local transport remains to be seen.
As Uber begins operations in Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston, the debate over its presence continues, with both supporters and critics watching closely to see how the market adapts.
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Source: Chat GPT
