Uber in Hungary: Secures dispatching license and launches in Budapest with game-changing partnership!
After overcoming obstacles, Uber in Hungary celebrates a triumph as it secures a dispatching license and launches in Budapest with a game-changing partnership, as confirmed by the communications agency representing its Hungarian division.
According to Telex, following approvals from both the Budapest Transport Centre and the National Transport Authority, Uber is set to launch in Budapest on the 16th of April, 2024, marking the completion of the official approval process.
With the green light obtained, Uber’s team is now focused on recruiting drivers who can join the platform within days. The eagerly anticipated service is slated to debut in Budapest during early summer.
Uber in Hungary: Upcoming plans
Uber plans to enter the Hungarian market in partnership with Főtaxi, with the licence application filed in February by F-Mobilitás Corporation, a subsidiary of Főtaxi.
In an internal letter, Főtaxi assured its drivers that Uber’s return would bring benefits, promising more rides and revenue without changing billing methods or membership fees.
Főtaxi also reaffirmed its status as the official taxi transport partner for key events and locations like Liszt Ferenc International Airport, Balaton Sound and the Sziget Festival.
The company plans to enter the Budapest market as a separate service, ensuring that the existing Főtaxi app and operations remain unaffected. Uber clarified that the Főtaxi app will continue as usual, while the Uber app will facilitate rides with Uber drivers specifically for Uber Taxi services.
Elek Nagy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lexholding Ltd, emphasised the importance of staying ahead in passenger transport by partnering with Uber, a pioneer in app-based transportation technology, enabling customers to access services through both the Főtaxi and Uber in Hungary apps.
According to Portfolio, Uber’s recent turnaround under CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has led to a shift in strategy, with the company now seeking partnerships with local governments and taxi companies worldwide.
This collaborative approach aims to benefit all parties involved, increasing earnings for taxi drivers, providing more travel options for the public, and enhancing efficiency in cities like Budapest.
This marks a trend seen in other major cities worldwide, where local taxi drivers are teaming up with Uber to offer rides, reflecting a broader shift in the company’s approach since its exit from Hungary in 2016.
How will Uber operate this time?
Passengers of Uber in Hungary can order rides through the company’s dispatch service via the app or by phone, complying with Hungarian regulations.
Unlike traditional phone orders, Uber’s app offers enhanced safety features such as GPS tracking, Safety Device Kit, Ride Split and Trip Control.
With Uber Reserve, passengers can pre-book trips or split fares with others. Additionally, the app provides an anonymous phone number for communication with drivers and offers English customer service support to address any issues promptly.
As for possible workers, Uber in Hungary representatives announced that they will soon release detailed information for Budapest drivers regarding potential earnings from Uber rides in the first year and beyond. They assure that their offer will be competitive, aiming to ensure drivers achieve maximum revenue in the market.
The initial drivers to join will benefit from a 0% commission for the first 3 months, along with other rewards and bonuses for recruiting new drivers. Interested drivers can begin the application process through the Uber in Hungary website or driver app once the registration area becomes available in a few days.
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City Taxi is the best, do not take Uber in my home country, will never take it, prefer City in Budapest, private limo service or the BKV. Twenty years I spent doing that in HU.