A Critical Analysis Of Uber And Careem Versus Local Transport Providers

Out of all the numerous facilities provided by integration of everyday utilities and software development, the apps easing transportation seem the most significant. The introduction of these cab-hailing companies have not just simplified daily traveling for the riders, but they have opened the doors of employment to millions of the unemployed, especially for third world countries like Pakistan. The top rated and the most used in this regard are Uber and Careem here.

The days of standing at a street corner and waiting for a taxi or bus in scorching heat now seem to end, for now air-conditioned rides wait at the doorstep of the rider, in just a few swipes! Being easily accessible from Play Store, App Store and having a user-friendly interface with a variety of needs-matching options, these apps appear to be a serious threat to all local transport providers. The Dawn presented its views in this regard as at a yearly summary article in 2016:

Although these services are relatively new in Pakistan, they reduce public transport woes by a significant margin and will mark the end of traditional taxi and rent-a-car business’ dominance in the long run. This is due to the fact that both companies have become immensely popular in such a short time and are widely used by young, employed people who are most likely to be smartphone users.

Being a hostel resident in an unfamiliar city, I find traveling through Uber and Careem quite comfortable and convenient. The reason of this convenience I face is the quality of services I avail. These companies ensure comfort, not just by bringing the rides at my doorstep, but by catering all the problems I previously had to face. Gone are the days when I was forced to fulfill the obstinate fare demands of the local taxi drivers. Now, Uber and Careem have solved this issue efficiently by presenting an adequate criterion of fare calculation. Including parameters such as time delay, estimated distance and peak hours, I can now travel comfortably paying just the right charges without any hustle or any wait under the sun, most importantly without owning any car.

Furthermore, due to the competition between these two ride hailing services, customers greatly benefit from discounts almost every week.

Another remarkable and appreciable service of these companies is the extent of security they ensure. Travelling with a stranger in a strange city always seemed risky but this problem is well tackled by these companies. The drivers appointed by Uber/Careem managers are subjected to a strict criterion checking their CNIC, driving license, citizen history, criminal records (if any) and acquiring character certificate from the respective police station. GPS tracking of each car, a feature enabling me to launch a complaint and sharing of the driver’s contact card even before his arrival are important steps which make travelling with strangers much easy. Moreover, the “share track” option enables me to share the ride progress with any person I trust, be it my father, brother or some friend. Bringing abduction chances to nil, this degree of protection and security makes me capable enough to travel alone, with almost no worries at all. Furthermore, the “ride later” option enables me to get anywhere right in time, through pre-booking.

The strict criterion of checking of drivers through CNIC, citizen history or other records is a good measure of how seriously both companies take your security.

But, there always are restrictions when controlling or monitoring remotely. Though these app developers have tried their best to ensure the client’s security, yet they lack for some obvious reasons. Many times, I have heard that instead of the authorized driver, some other person drives with real driver’s cell phone to keep the authorities unaware. These unknown persons acting as drivers are a source of discomfort because they are more liable to cause problems.

Drivers have also been reported to be in a drugged state when taking rides. Moreover, rash driving and frequent ride cancellation are some of the bizarre factors making few of my experiences really worse. Sometimes the rigid and inflexible attitude of drivers towards route selection also freaks me out. Though after every ride, the feedback option seems to empower the rider but it cannot compensate for the inconvenience faced. But steps are still in process to improve the services. But the best part here is that complaints launched on Facebook and other social media sites are efficiently replied to and taken under notice showing the authorities’ concern over the issue. Moreover, I think there always is a room for improvement.

If we have to relate these scenarios with Careem or Uber, Careem offers better customer support in comparison to Uber because a person availing the rides is able to reach out to support while his ride is in progress, that is the driver has accepted the ride and is en route, whereas the same option for Uber is available only after the ride has ended.

The popularity of these services cannot be questioned. Taxi drivers themselves enjoyed a brief period of relief when the government imposed a temporary ban on these services but even they are aware now, if they don't sign up for these services soon, they will go out of business sooner or later.

Summing up, this initiative seems to be a great step dedicated to ease life at its best. Linking the necessities with up to date forums, these developments are aptly those efficient solutions one once used to think of!