Car sharing service Uber enters the Romanian market

American company Uber, an increasingly popular mobile-app-based transportation network, officially entered the Romanian market by launching its uberX app in Bucharest, on February 25. uberX is the first ridesharing program in Romania. The smartphone application connects riders with drivers on the platform looking to share the costs of their cars. Uber has become very popular in many Western countries, where prices for taxi rides are high. However, it remains to be seen if the app will be as successful in Romania, where taxi rates are currently very low. Uber’s starting rates are similar to those of most taxi companies in Bucharest. The users will pay a RON 1.39 (EUR 0.31) base fare and RON 1.39 per kilometre. The app charges RON 0.23 (EUR 0.05) per minute for stationing, the same as regular taxis. The minimum fare is RON 6 (EUR 1.35). The cancellation fee is also RON 6. A ride from the Henri Coanda International Airport in Northern Bucharest to the centre of the city (Universitatii Square) should cost about RON 40 (EUR 9). One of the main advantages of this app is that riders don’t have to pay in cash or tip the driver, as the app takes the money directly from the user’s credit card. The Uber is currently available in more than 200 cities worldwide. Andrei Chirileasa, andrei@romania-insider.com