Uber to add seven more cities in NZ

Uber is set to expand to six more cities this October, doubling the number of cities here it operates in.

The Uber platform will launch in Rotorua, Taupo, Napier-Hastings, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Nelson.

Uber New Zealand country manager Amanda Gilmore says this brings more casual earning opportunities for drivers, and more “affordable and convenient” ride choices with Uber.

“Uber is doubling our city portfolio overnight,” Gilmore says. “It’s a bold, but well-researched move designed to create more transport choice while deepening the earning opportunities for New Zealand.”

Nearly half a million New Zealanders have ridden with Uber.

Uber currently operates in seven New Zealand cities: Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Hamilton, Christchurch, Tauranga and Dunedin.

Gilmore is confident the launch will be a success and believes New Zealand as a market can succeed in the world of ridesharing.

Uber has around 6500 driver partners and is available in 700 cities worldwide.

Gilmore says of the 6500 partners, most of them are part-time Uber drivers supplementing their income with the platform.

“We anticipate more will follow, extending further opportunities to even more New Zealanders who are looking for another way to support their families by driving on weekends and in peak tourist seasons.”

Wellington is the first city in the Asia-Pacific to use Uber’s fleet of e-scooters, Jump. Users can choose between requesting a car or an e-scooter all through the Uber app.

“The expansion of Jump in Wellington is part of our commitment to bringing together multiple modes of transport – offering safe, affordable options for the first and last mile,” Australia and New Zealand Jump general manager Henry Greenacre says. 

Earlier this month, Uber and SkyBus announced a collaboration to ease journeys for North Shore travellers.

Uber is offering travellers up to 50% off rides with Uber to and from the North Harbour Express SkyBus pick-up points, which will benefit those living in Albany, Milford and Takapuna areas. 

Uber lost US$5.24 billion in the second quarter this year after having to pay stock-based pay outs. While revenue jumped 14% to US$3.17b, Uber’s largest quarterly loss per share, including those expenses, totalled US$4.71b.

Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi says the UberEats food delivery business may not be profitable during the next two years. 

UberEats operates in six New Zealand cities: Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and has over 2000 restaurant partners.