Uber has been granted a licence to operate in Aberdeen.
The global ride hailing service is expected to be operational in the city later this summer.
The licensing application was debated for two hours in the Town House this afternoon.
A consultation launched by Aberdeen City Council (ACC) resulted in nearly 500 people urging the local authority to accept Uber's application, while just 26 people objected.
A survey on Uber's potential future in the Granite City from Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) resulted in an unanticipated response, with nearly 2,400 people filling out the survey.
The results were comprehensive, with 93% of respondents saying they would welcome Uber to the city, while nearly three-quarters (74%) said Uber's arrival in Aberdeen would encourage them to venture out in the city more than they currently do.
A statement from the firm said: “This decision will help boost earning opportunities for drivers, provide passengers with greater transport options across the city and support the local economy.
"All drivers will have access to industry leading worker rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through GMB Union.”
A new era for North-east taxi provision
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Wednesday’s decision reflects the apparent will of the people of the North-east.
“Findings from our recent survey indicate that nearly three in four people are more likely to come into the city centre more regularly if Uber is operational. Hopefully, this will translate into more people eating in our restaurants, socialising in our bars, visiting our fantastic array of cultural offerings and much more.”
“Uber’s arrival will, along with the excellent service offered by other firms including Aberdeen Taxis and Comcabs, hopefully improve consumer confidence, increase taxi demand and provide a boost for businesses across the area”.
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, added: "We are grateful to the licensing committee for their decision and delighted that Uber’s application to open a booking office in the Granite City has now been approved.
"Aberdeen Inspired brought Uber to the table in Aberdeen after we recognised there was a crying need to address serious issues with taxi provision in the city, especially around late nights at the weekend.
"This need wasn’t something Aberdeen Inspired simply plucked out of thin air. Our levy payers, partners and the wider public, came to us with a litany of complaints and issues they had faced with a severe lack of taxis especially at night on weekends.
"Giving permission for Uber to operate in Aberdeen is not the end of the story over taxi provision. It is merely the start of a conversation with all parties and stakeholders to ensure our city and its people have the taxi service everyone wants and needs."
ChamberTalk
Following Uber's submission to ACC's Licensing Committee, Head of Cities (UK) Matthew Freckelton spoke to AGCC's ChamberTalk podcast, dispelling myths and promoting the case for Uber in Aberdeen.
You can listen now on:
YouTube
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Apple Podcasts