Uber moves to calm backlash

Uber has confirmed that only licensed taxis will operate on its platform when it launches in Barbados next Wednesday. This follows protests from drivers who feared the service would open the door to private cars and undercut the local industry. In a statement released a short while ago, the company said fares will follow Transport Authority regulations, and drivers will be paid the full regulated rates. “We can confirm that solely the Uber Taxi product will be available in the app and will be exclusively enabled for licensed taxi drivers,” the statement said.  “Additionally, we clarify that fares displayed in the app will be 100% compliant with the regulated rates established by the Transport Authority. During the initial testing phase, some variations were observed due to automatically applied discounts; however, drivers will be compensated according to the regulated rates.”