Uber to use BIKES and scooters for short journeys rather than cars to cut down on rush-hour traffic
The ride-sharing giant - which lost nearly $3.5billion last year - hopes passengers opt for electric bicycles and scooters over its usual taxis
UBER is planning to ditch cars for BIKES in a bid to cut costs in traffic-clogged cities.
The ride-sharing giant - which lost nearly $3.5billion last year - hopes passengers opt for electric bicycles and scooters over its usual taxis.
The red bikes have already started popping up in New York, Washington DC, and Denver - and could make a move to the UK soon.
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said: “During rush hour, it is very inefficient for a one-tonne hulk of metal to take one person 10 blocks."
He told the Financial Times: "We’re able to shape behaviour in a way that’s a win for the user. It’s a win for the city.
"Short-term financially, maybe it’s not a win for us, but strategically long term we think that is exactly where we want to head.
“We are willing to trade off short-term per-unit economics for long-term higher engagement.
“I’ve found in my career that engagement over the long term wins wars and sometimes it’s worth it to lose battles in order to win wars.”
The move is expected to hit Uber drivers in the pocket - but Khosrowshahi insists they'll profit in the long term.
He added: “When I’ve spoken to our driver partners about it, the first impression was, why are you bringing in a bike to compete against me?”
“The second impression after the conversation is, oh, I get a longer ride where I can make more money? Sign me up.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.