Affordable, Safer and Better Mobility
Français | Nederlands | English
The Brussels government this week produced a European first by proposing a plan where ridesharing within a proper legislative framework could become a reality. In addition, the government indicated it would look into the possibility of liberalising private hire services. With this proposal the government is clearly showing its intention and ambition to modernise Brussels mobility.
As a platform provider for mobility solutions, including Uber’s ridesharing solution uberPOP in Brussels, this clearly is encouraging news. It also fits well with the idea of the smart city of tomorrow. However, once the government has finalised the legislative text, the Brussels parliament will debate the proposals, providing an opportunity for all views to be taken into consideration. It therefore remains to be seen what the current proposal will ultimately end up looking like.
What we do know is that legislation creating a clear and progressive framework with explicit rules is very much warranted. These rules need to primarily address the interests and needs of the residents of and visitors to the city of Brussels: mobility could be more affordable, safer and better.
Mobility could be more affordable. Technology and innovation play a crucial role: innovative mobility solutions like uberPOP and uberPOOL are a case in point. Making mobility more affordable unlocks access to choice for a much larger group of people, resulting in increased demand, which in turn generates more economic opportunities and increases purchasing power
Mobility could be safer. The Uber platform already has many integrated solutions consistently ensuring that all mobility providers, vehicles and riders are insured; that every driver meets strict criteria and undergoes a background check; that there is no cash in vehicles; and that all transactions and services are fully traceable, making fraud and abuse preventable at any point in time.
Mobility could be better. An increase in tailored alternatives result in more choice and lead to better services. Competition needs to be encouraged within a framework where clear rules apply, but where users also have several affordable alternatives to choose from.
Uber is committed to achieving the above objectives in a proper, constructive and positive manner. And we need the proper regulatory framework to achieve that. This is not about taxis versus Uber, this is about taxis and Uber making Brussels mobility more affordable, safer and better.
Filip Nuytemans, General Manager Uber Belgium