Uber launches third Local Cab service with Bedford operator Key Cars

Bedford has become the third town in which Uber has launched its new Local Cab product, which enables passengers in the town to book a trip with a local taxi company via the Uber app.

Uber has already launched the service in Plymouth with Need-A-Cab, and in Oxford with 001 Taxis. In Bedford, the Local Cab option on the latest version of the Uber app will connect passengers to taxi firm Key Cars.

Uber said its app was being opened almost 10,000 times per month in Bedford, but passengers have not previously been able to book a ride as Uber does not operate directly in the town.

The Local Cab option is the result of Uber’s acquisition of Autocab last year, which was cleared by the Competition and Markets Agency earlier this year. The deal is allowing Uber to expand beyond the 40 UK towns and cities in which it currently operates directly by using local operators to fulfil its jobs via the Autocab iGo network.

Amna Sadiqa of Key Cars said: “We’re delighted to be one of the first operators in the UK to pilot Local Cab. For anyone in Bedford who already uses the Uber app, it is now easy to book a ride with us. With the boost in passengers, we will also be looking to welcome new drivers to the company.”

Uber UK General Manager Ash Kebriti said: “Every month, we see thousands of people in towns and cities across the UK where we currently don’t operate open the Uber app and try to request a trip. Launching this pilot of Local Cab in Bedford is an exciting first step in connecting these riders with local operators so that eventually the Uber app can be used anywhere in the country.”