As it continues to grow internationally, Uber Technologies Inc. announced that it was starting its ride-hailing service platform in Israel by linking to a national network of authorized taxis.
According to the report, thousands of taxi drivers, both freelance and employed by businesses, have already signed up. The service, which also offers ride-sharing, is primarily offered to customers in Israel’s two major cities, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Local competitors to Uber, which operates in more than 10,000 cities in more than 70 countries, include Gett and Yango.
In 2017, a judge blocked Uber’s last attempt to run in Israel. After claiming that the American firm employed drivers who lacked the necessary business licenses and insurance, Israel’s Transportation Ministry, Taxi Driver Union, and a competing ride-hailing company were successful in getting the injunction.
Gony Noy, general manager of Uber Israel, said, “We aim to use technology to transform taxi services into the alternative to the private automobile they may be, partnering with other public transit providers.”
Similar partnerships were established in Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Turkey, South Korea, Hong Kong, New York, and San Francisco before the one in Israel. By 2025, the business claims, every cab will be accessible through its app.
