Uber still miles away for Jersey

Monday 26 October 2020

It seems an Uber service is still a long way down the road, following the publication of a government letter suggesting the firm's business model doesn't meet Jersey's requirements.

The letter was penned by Infrastructure Minister Deputy Kevin Lewis, in response to questions relating to Jersey Lifts and regulations in the Taxi Industry.

The letter reads: “In respect of platforms such as UBER and LYFT, I have met with a 'representative' who was considering bringing the Uber platform over to the Island, and were advised of the requirements incumbent upon any operation of this nature.

“I received correspondence from them following this meeting to advise me that their business model did not fit with our current requirements, and that they would not be pursuing this matter any further at present.”

Pictured: Infrastructure Minister Deputy Kevin Lewis said that the talks had stopped following him outlining the requirements for taxi drivers in Jersey. 

Uber connects ‘riders’ and ‘drivers’ through its app across the world, with a rider putting in their location and then a nearby driver being recruited to take them to their destination.

Though Facebook group ‘Jersey Lifts’, and the unaffiliated app of the same name, have often been seen as island alternatives to Uber, they have sparked controversy due to their unregulated nature.

Speaking to Express, Deputy Lewis clarified that the individual in question was not part of Uber itself, but someone interested in either bringing over an Uber-style service or licensing the platform for Jersey. 

Explaining the sequence of events, Deputy Lewis said that a few months ago the individual met him to discuss possibilities, but that he had not heard from them since these initial conversations. 

“It’s basically the same argument as for Jersey Lifts,” Deputy Lewis said, outlining the requirements he had told the individual. 

“Anyone who wishes to be a taxi cab driver must have a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) Badge, be security cleared, DBS checked, have good character, their vehicles must be inspected and the meters checked and they must be registered with Driver and Vehicle Standards.

“Anybody can apply to become a Taxi Driver if they meet these criteria, both independent or working with a company.”