Uber is winning over many Hungarian cities with a new service — here are the details
Uber is rolling out a brand-new and highly practical service across three major Hungarian provincial cities: Szeged, Debrecen and Miskolc. The highlight of Uber XL Taxi is that it allows larger groups of friends, families or colleagues to travel together comfortably using its platform.
New Uber offering available in numerous Hungarian cities
According to the official website, Uber XL is an ideal choice when travelling with a group, offering spacious minibuses and SUVs that can seat up to six passengers at an affordable price. When booking via the app, after entering your destination and pick-up address, simply select the Uber XL option at the bottom of the screen.
The service provider first exited Hungary in July 2016 after the parliament, under pressure from the taxi lobby, passed laws that made it impossible for the company to operate normally. It returned only last summer, but this time with cooperation agreements in place with select taxi firms. In Budapest, for example, the company works alongside the Főtaxigroup through its subsidiary, F Mobilitás Ltd.
Expansion across Hungary continues
Thanks to this partnership, Uber did not need to establish its own dispatch centre in Hungary, as ride registrations are handled through Főtaxi’s existing system. Uber journeys also follow the city’s fixed-fare regulations, which many taxi drivers consider somewhat restrictive.
Beyond Budapest, the company has begun expanding further. The service launched in Miskolc in June and in Debrecenin July, and is now available in Szeged as well. The company’s website shows an even wider reach, including cities such as Dunaújváros, Nagykáta and Tapolca. The customer base surpassed half a million by June this year. Marking their first anniversary, they also introduced Uber Boat, offering 15-minute sightseeing tours along the Danube last year.
Read also:
- Can taxis keep up? New Uber rule in Budapest aims to enhance safety
Click for more of our articles concerning taxi services in Hungary.
Never! No matter where, what part of the world, won’t use them.
You do know that in Hungary they’re merely connecting you to official taxis? If you call a taxi company on the phone you’ll get an identical car and the meter will show the same price at journey’s end as if you had ordered on Uber.
It’s important not to underestimate the confidence a lot of foreign visitors place in Uber; they know they’re not going to get tucked up with a mafia cab and they’ve got the assurance of a global brand whose help they can rely on in the event of any problems. Uber’s presence will measurably increase taxi use in a city like Budapest.
If I was visiting an unfamiliar city in a country I’ve never been to before, I might avoid taking taxi off the street or hailed from a rank but I’ve every confidence in ordering an Uber.