Uber Japan about to launch UberEats
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Uber Japan is about to launch UberEats, with advertisements for bicycle and motorcycle delivery positions appearing on its Japan Facebook page last week, as well as a related video.
An UberEats Japan website is already up, but only with a link for Tokyo restaurants to register.
Launched in March, UberEats is available in 28 cities internationally.
Generally, Uber has struggled in Japan, reports Tech in Asia. As regulations prevent drivers from accepting money from passengers in a private vehicle, Uber works more like a taxi. Its trial program in Fukuoka last year was shut down for paying drivers, and protests from taxi companies have prevented similar trials in other regions. There was also backlash from the taxi industry when Toyota invested in Uber this year.
However, non-professional drivers can accept payments in areas where public transport is not available. Uber took advantage of this by launching a service with a non-profit organisation in Kyotango city.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which cities currently offer UberEats internationally?
Which cities currently offer UberEats internationally?
UberEats is available in 28 cities internationally. The article does not specify which particular cities these are, but notes the service launched in March.
Q.What is the primary reason Uber has faced difficulties in Japan?
What is the primary reason Uber has faced difficulties in Japan?
Uber has struggled in Japan because regulations prevent private vehicle drivers from accepting money from passengers. This has led to issues with trial programs and protests from taxi companies.
Q.How has Uber adapted its service to operate in some areas of Japan?
How has Uber adapted its service to operate in some areas of Japan?
Uber has adapted by launching a service with a non-profit organisation in Kyotango city. This works because non-professional drivers can accept payments in areas where public transport is not available.
Q.Why was Uber's trial program in Fukuoka discontinued last year?
Why was Uber's trial program in Fukuoka discontinued last year?
The trial program in Fukuoka last year was shut down because it involved paying drivers. This conflicted with existing regulations in Japan concerning private vehicle payments.
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