Uber Adds 50,000 US Drivers with Flywheel Deal
Uber plans to radically boost its US nationwide ride-hailing service by teaming up with Flywheel Technologies, a provider of e-hailing booking and smartphone app connection, boasting 50,000 additional drivers.
The service expects Uber’s taxi drivers to fulfill trip requests nationwide following the service’s initial launch in San Francisco. It is then hoped to roll out to subsequent cities in the following months hoping to boost driver earnings potential while providing more transportation options for passengers nationwide.
Flywheel claims to be the largest e-booking service in the US and Canada, with more than 100 fleets with 30,000 taxicabs, 50,000 drivers, 700,000 registered passengers in 53 cities. This agreement will provide Uber riders access to taxis whenever convenient while Flywheel’s registered drivers will have the ability to provide service for those requesting rides in the Uber app, in addition to existing taxi ride demand.
Hansu Kim, president of Flywheel, said: “This partnership establishes a global network of professional drivers and fleets, and brings our cutting-edge e-hailing technology and established footprint together with Uber’s leading demand for a seamless partnership. We look forward to seeing what this can do for the future of accessibility in cities for all.”
Guy Peterson, director of business development at Uber, added: “We are pleased to be partnering with Flywheel to help support drivers and provide riders in San Francisco with another transportation option. This partnership will give drivers increased flexibility and additional earnings opportunities as the pandemic recovery continues.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
