Ridesharing company Uber has moved to clarify how it will operate in Jamaica even as the country awaits word from theGovernment about the tech company’s controversial entry into the local market.
Uber, in a statement on Monday, noted that its app has been available in Jamaica since June 15 through a "vehicle-with-driver" lease agreement. It said the app serves as a contact portal between two parties: a lessor partner and a user, who will agree to sign a private lease contract every time they want to get around the city.
The company went on to note that under this model, both the lessor partner and the user enter a private agreement that entails strict fulfilment of the rules. The company noted further that all leases are covered by Guardian Insurance.
Local taxi operators and taxi associations have, however, pointed to a seeming double standard in that they are not allowed to transport passengers unless they comply with the Transport Authority Act and the Road Traffic Act.
- Among other things, persons wishing to provide taxi services in Jamaica must abide by the following:
- Vehicles must be fitted with a red plate
- Operators must have the requisite insurance
- Drivers are vetted by the police
- Must have road licence issued by the TA
- Drivers must display badge inside the vehicle
Currently, all white plate vehicles that operate as taxis in Jamaica are illegal and are called robots. According to the president of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), Egeton Newman, there are some 40,000 such vehicles being operated in the country.
“We have 40,000 illegal white plate cars in this country that police take away everyday so what I could do is just organise like Uber and just give them work and nobody can trouble them. Is that what they [the authorities]are saying?” Newman asked in a recent interview with Loop News.
Taxi operators are not allowed to transport passengers unless they comply with the Transport Authority Act and the Road Traffic Act.
“We cannot allow for Uber to come in and bring another two to four thousand white plate taxis and nobody can trouble them but they would trouble our white plate guys who are looking a bread,” Newman argued.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet on Monday discussed the Uber issue and the public should be told shortly the government's position on the matter.
For its part, the Transport Authority is insisting that no entity or individual is allowed to provide public transportation services in Jamaica without the requisite road licence issued by the Authority.
In a bid to explain what some persons say is Uber’s ‘Nicodemus by night entry” into the country, the Transport Authority said the “vehicle with driver” lease agreement being used by Uber is a new designation in the local public transportation landscape. It is not known when this terminology became acceptable in Jamaica.
But, the Transport Authority stated that the provision of public transportation services, irrespective of the terminology used, once deemed functionally as such, requires a road licence from the Authority.
The Authority also said that while it encourages diversity and engagement of technological solutions in providing services, it should be noted that any attempt to circumvent the provisions of the law will be taken as intent to operate illegally and not in the interest of good order or safety.
Contributed photo via Uber shows a passenger using its service.
In the meantime, Uber is moving full speed ahead despite all the questions being asked about is operations by offering healthcare workers a 50 per cent discount if they utilise its services between June 22 and July 22.
Dubbed ‘Uber Medics’, the initiative, according to the company, is aimed at rewarding the frontline workers for their sacrifice during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers at eleven hospitals or health facilities in Kingston and St Andrew and St Catherine will benefit.
“The initiative, exclusively for healthcare workers, was born in recognition of their work on the front lines during the pandemic,” Uber said. It noted that the Uber Medics app was a very successful product that was previously launched in The Dominican Republic, Panama, and 145 cities with over 5.5 million completed trips.
The feature provides a mobility solution to and from the eleven health facilities that have been chosen.
“Health professionals continue to go above and beyond for their fellow citizens, risking exposure to the virus to fulfill their commitment to the wellbeing of the community. At Uber, our guiding principle is to enable technology to provide practical and effective solutions. Uber Medics is an example of this because it facilitates the mobility of those who today play a vital role in the country,” said the company.
To obtain the discount, the health professionals must enter the promo code UBERMEDICSJA and select the option ‘Uber Medics.’ The code will apply the discount to 30 leases per user, with a maximum discount of J$450 per lease. Terms and conditions will apply.
Below is the full list of facilities that are eligible for the discount:
Kingston and St Andrew
- Bellevue Hospital
- Bustamante Hospital for Children
- Hope Institute
- Kingston Public Hospital
- National Chest Hospital & Dental Department
- Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre
- UWI Hospital
- Victoria Jubilee Maternity Hospital
- Andrews Memorial Hospital
StCatherine
- Linstead Hospital
- Spanish Town Public Hospital
FAQs
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Kingston, Jamaica. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
What is the operation of Uber? ›
Uber is a platform where those who drive and deliver can connect with riders, eaters, and restaurants. In cities where Uber is available, you can use the Uber app to request a ride. When a nearby driver accepts your request, the app displays an estimated time of arrival for the driver heading to your pickup location.
Does Uber operate in Montego Bay Jamaica? ›
For you and your family or friends, then look no further. Uber Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer JAT will bring you to your destination anywhere in Jamaica, whether its a Hotel, Villa or Private Residence.
How is Uber providing efficiency to our society? ›
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are using a vastly more efficient technology for matching people who want a ride with people who want to drive them than was available when the taxi radio dispatch systems were set up in the 1940s.
What is the most used transportation in Jamaica? ›
The Bus Network
The most common and convenient way to explore Jamaica on public transport is by using the extensive bus network in the country, and this is made up of a relatively small number of inter-city buses and many smaller buses serving local routes.
What type of transportation is used in Jamaica? ›
Transport in Jamaica consists of roadways, railways, ship and air transport, with roadways forming the backbone of the island's internal transport system.
Where is Uber operational? ›
All 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, all offer Uber.
What are the benefits of Uber? ›
- Uber: An Overview.
- Convenient and Cashless.
- Professional Service.
- Competitive Pricing.
- Safety and Flexibility For Drivers.
- Controversial Labor Practices.
- Surge Pricing.
- Impact of Price Competition.
We are a tech company that connects the physical and digital worlds to help make movement happen at the tap of a button. Because we believe in a world where movement should be accessible. So you can move and earn safely. In a way that's sustainable for our planet.
Why is Uber more successful? ›
The taxi drivers respond by complaining about the low fares customers pay for short-distance trips, creating a cycle of inefficiency for taxi companies. While wait times vary, Uber customers typically spend far less time waiting than customers of traditional taxi services.
- Reduce Driver Downtime. At the heart of it, these companies are operations and logistics companies — a key component of their success is optimizing for speed of pickup and speed of route. ...
- Allow scheduled pick-ups. ...
- Create Loyalty Programs. ...
- Customize the Experience. ...
- Own Local Event Recommendations.
Uber uses a dynamic pricing model, where the price per trip depends on the surge in demand and the number of driver availability. The pricing algorithm normalizes the prices once there is an increase in the availability of the drivers.
How much does Uber pay in Jamaica? ›
Average Uber Drivers Delivery Driver yearly pay in Jamaica is approximately $51,000, which meets the national average.
Where is Uber available in Jamaica? ›
Yes, uber is available in Kingston. As a matter of fact Uber currently only operates in Kingston.
What is the best Uber service? ›
For Most Rides, Using UberX Is Your Best Option
For the average rider who does not need extra accessibility options or a high-end car, UberX is your best everyday ridesharing option. If you need more room for more people or stuff, get Uber Comfort. And if you want to really impress your date, get Uber Black.
What is the best transport method? ›
Airplanes get you places fast and are the most versatile mode of transportation, taking you across states, across countries, and across waters.
What was the first transportation in Jamaica? ›
Historical Significance. The Jamaica Railway, constructed in 1845, was the first line opened to traffic outside Europe and North America. The rail service was established in the United Kingdom in 1825, the United States in 1830 and Canada in 1836.
Which transportation system is the best? ›
Best Public Transportation Systems in the World
- Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit. Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit has the highest customer satisfaction in the world, with 86 percent of riders happy with its services. ...
- New York Transit. ...
- Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway. ...
- Berlin U-Bahn. ...
- Tokyo Metro.
The different modes of transport are air, water, and land transport, which includes rails or railways, road and off-road transport. Other modes also exist, including pipelines, cable transport, and space transport.
What are the 4 methods of transportation? ›
What are the Top Modes of Transport. Air, Road, Sea and Rail. These are the four major modes of transport (or types) in the logistics industry.
Renting a car is by far the best way of getting around and seeing the island. Though some of the roads beggar belief, Jamaica is a relatively easy country to drive in. Distances are small, and while some locals have a kamikaze approach to driving, most are extremely courteous.
Can you pay cash Uber Jamaica? ›
Can I pay for Uber with cash? Yes, you can pay with cash. Before requesting a ride, go to the Payment section in the app and select Cash. At the end of your trip, pay cash directly to your driver.
Is there Uber or Lyft in Montego Bay? ›
A: No, Uber or Lyft is currently not available in Montego Bay Jamaica. View Uber cities around the world. Q: How do you get around Montego Bay Jamaica?
Does Ocho Rios have Uber? ›
Yes. Ocho Rios Grill Las Vegas delivery is available on Uber Eats in Las Vegas.
Which part of Jamaica is the best? ›
Jamaica's beach destinations, such as Negril and Montego Bay, are popular with tourists and locals alike. For a bustling city, you can't beat Port Antonio or the capital of Jamaica, Kingston. Or for cruise ports, docking in at Ocho Rios is always a great experience (plus there's plenty to do, too)!
What was the first mode of transportation in Jamaica? ›
The first railway, the Western Jamaica Connecting Railway, was built in 1845 from Kingston 23.3 kilometres (14.5 mi) to Angels near Spanish Town. The railway was proposed and started by William Smith, originally from Manchester who owned land in Jamaica, and his sugar planter brother David.
How to drive Uber in Jamaica? ›
To drive with Uber in Kingston, your vehicle must meet these minimum requirements:
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening doors.
- 10 years or newer.
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage.
- No commercial branding.
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles.
- Pass a vehicle inspection.
- Vehicle model year must be 2008 or newer.
Private Airport Taxi & Transfer Rate Chart
| Destination | 1-4 One Way | 5+ One Way Each |
|---|
| From Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston to … |
| Negril | $350 | $70 |
| Ocho Rios | $290 | $60 |
| Montego Bay | $350 | $75 |
23 more rowsPaying with cash requires users to select the cash option (if available) and then pay with cash when the delivery driver arrives with the order.
How do you get around Jamaica without a car? ›
Taking a cab or minibus will be the safest and most hassle-free way to get around Jamaica. But you should only take the official taxis that are operated by the Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA) or Jamaica Co-operative Automobile & Limousine Tours (JCAL), as indicated by the acronym on their vehicles.
(One-Way Rates) Montego Bay Airport Taxi Service
| Montego Bay Airport Taxi-Cab Service | Taxi Rates (Per Vehicle) |
|---|
| Breathless Taxi Service-Taxi Cab-Rate. | $30/max 4 Pax |
| Sunscape Taxi Service-Taxi Cab-Rate. | $30/max 4 Pax |
| Excellence Oyster Bay . | $55/ max 3 Pax |
| Ocean Coral Spring Private Car Rates. | $55/ max 3 Pax |
13 more rowsApr 30, 2018
Daily rate starting from $140, up to 10 hours per day.
Why is Jamaica called Ocho Rios? ›
Ocho Rios, town and Caribbean port on the north coast of Jamaica, northwest of Kingston. The Spanish name, meaning “eight rivers,” refers to the number of rivers in the area.
Which is better Ocho Rios or Montego Bay? ›
Conclusion: Both areas of the island are beautiful and are well suited for a relaxing vacation. Montego Bay is better for families with children and for those who don't plan to explore the island much. Ocho Rios is better for young adults, adventure seekers, and people who don't have children.
What does Ocho Rios stand for? ›
Ocho Rios (Spanish for “Eight Rivers”) is a town in the parish of Saint Ann on the north coast of Jamaica. Ocho Rios affectionately called “Ochi” by locals was once a fishing village but now caters to tourists.
