Ride-hailing apps such as Uber have become increasingly popular for commuters in Istanbul. In a sprawling city such as Istanbul, with its chaotic traffic and daunting public transport system, getting from A to B is often a major headache. For many, having the ability to book a car quickly and conveniently, at the touch of a button, provides a huge benefit, not to mention the potential to save money.
Uber arrived in Istanbul 3 years ago, and has since seen a steady rise in usage city-wide. It offers an array of services along with competitive prices and vouchers that encourage riders to give the app a try. However, this does not necessarily mean it is always the cheapest option when compared to traditional taxi cabs.
Dr Sema Hürsev, a professor in Transportation Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, believes it is very difficult to answer this question with one definitive answer. “It all depends on the timing, the route, the number of passengers and so on. Generally speaking, if you order an Uber at the right time and right place, you can get a ride cheaper than that of local taxis. Nevertheless, one cannot guarantee that they could have the cheaper option.”
Indeed, since its arrival in Istanbul, Uber has initiated promotional campaigns and discounts in various municipalities in the city to entice users, such as free trips up to $15 on certain routes. It also provides access to different types of cars, ranging from basic models to premium, luxury vehicles.
Shoppers in Istanbul who are looking to make a saving may find the Uber ride-sharing service, which allows up to two people from separate parties to share a ride and split the cost of the trip, a good option. “Generally speaking this could make Uber rides quite a bit more economical than a traditional taxi,” argues Dr Hürsev.
Is Uber Safer?
Safety is also a major concern for many Uber users, especially in a bustling city such as Istanbul, which has seen its fair share of accidents due to the chaotic traffic. Is the Uber service safer than a traditional taxi?
Dr Hürsev believes there is no difference between the two services in terms of safety. “Both Uber and taxi drivers should have quality insurance to operate. All of them should pass security checks and have valid licenses. Any service providers that do not abide by the official protocols should never be hired.”
Uber also has a built-in safety feature that allows users to share their journey with family and friends. This way, family and friends are kept informed of the user’s whereabouts throughout the duration of the trip. This feature also allows them to get help or report any suspicious behaviour or incidents if they notice them during the ride.
Is Uber Everywhere in Istanbul?
Uber is available in most neighborhoods of Istanbul. However, there are some municipalities, such as the historical Sultanahmet district, where the ride-hailing app is not accepted. In these areas, travellers may have to rely on the local taxi services.
Additionally, as the city is vast and most neighbourhoods are not connected to the metro, commuters who rely on Uber may find the service more reliable and convenient than traditional taxis due to its comprehensive coverage.
Overall Verdict
For commuters looking to save money, Uber may be a good option when compared to regular taxis, though the final decision will come down to route, distance, and timing. Cost aside, Uber also offers benefits such as access to different types of cars, ride-sharing options, and a built-in safety feature.
However, due to the fact that it is not available in all places in the city, such as the Sultanahmet district, it may not be the best choice for travellers who are in the city for a short stay and unfamiliar with the local transportation system.
Uber’s Impact on Turkish Taxi Drivers
Although Uber may be seen as a convenient and cheap alternative to traditional taxi services, it has had a major impact on the lives of Istanbul’s taxi drivers. Many of them have expressed their dissatisfaction with the ride-hailing app, claiming that it has caused a decline in their business.
A survey conducted by Eren Dogan of the Haber Turk newspaper in July 2018 revealed that 40% of taxi drivers in the city feel that their income has decreased due to the competition with Uber. This is despite Uber fares being higher than that of traditional taxis in Istanbul.
Furthermore, taxi drivers have complained that Uber is not subject to the same regulations as other licensed drivers, which gives them a competitive edge. The Uber platform also allows drivers to set their own fares, which can be lower than licensed taxi fares approved by the Chamber of Istanbul Livery Car Operators.
The Istanbul Chamber of Livery Car Operators has also voiced its criticism of Uber for undercutting their union-set rates. The chamber recently released a statement saying, “We cannot accept such unfair competition where Uber sets the rates on its own and gives discounts and bonuses as they wish.”
The Government Response
Turkey’s Transport Ministry has taken a hard stance against Uber, issuing a new set of rules late last year that has restricted Uber drivers in the country. Uber drivers, who were previously allowed to be self-employed, are now required to register as a company with at least two drivers per car, according to the latest regulations.
The ministry has also proposed to limit the number of Uber cars on the roads by issuing authorisation documents to drivers, something that is currently in place for traditional taxi drivers. This would become mandatory for all Uber drivers by June 2019, according to the ministry.
All in all, the regulation of Uber has caused much controversy in Turkey, with opinions split between those who believe the app is beneficial to the city, and those who think it is a detriment. The ministry’s latest regulations seem to have somewhat appeased taxi drivers, who can now compete on a more or less level playing field.
Public Opinion on Uber
Public opinion remains divided on the issue. Supporters argue that the app has contributed to an overall improvement the transportation system in Istanbul over the past few years, mainly due to the fact that it provides a faster and more reliable service than regular taxis.
On the other hand, Uber has become a major point of contention for those who believe it is unfairly competing with traditional taxi drivers. These detractors argue that Uber is damaging the livelihood of taxi drivers, and also fails to take into consideration the safety and security of its users.
Uber’s presence in Istanbul certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed and has spurred many debates among the public. It clearly still has its supporters and opponents; however, it is very difficult to make an overall judgement as to whether it is a positive or a negative for the city.
A Potential Solution?
Many believe that a compromise should be reached between Uber and taxi drivers so that both can co-exist in competitive harmony. This could include a mandatory fee on Uber rides, which would be collected by the municipalities, while taxi drivers would need to start using updated payment methods such as mobile payments.
This might be a good way to make sure both types of services survive, while reducing the cost of transportation for commuters. Further research is needed on the topic.
When deciding between Uber and traditional taxis in Istanbul, it comes down to personal preference and convenience. Uber provides discounts and the ability to book a car in mere minutes; however, taxi drivers may offer the same service at a cheaper price. Ultimately, it comes down to the user to make the final decision.
