The controversial US ride-hailing firm has reported 30% growth in Swiss users in a little over a year.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-Keystone/ac
On Friday, the California-based firm shed some light on its Swiss business at an event in Geneva. According to the firm, the number of active users increased from 300,000 to 400,000 between July 2018 and October 2019, and the number of drivers from 2,600 to 3,200 in the four cities where the company operates (Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne).
Despite “strong growth” the company deplored a shortage of drivers and numerous regulatory obstacles in Switzerland. It singled out the western French-speaking region, where Uber is in conflict with authorities over the status of drivers and the company itself.
Uber differs from other taxi firms primarily in that it does not own cars or directly employ drivers, but connects passengers and vehicles via its app. But this arrangement has been sharply criticised by unions as violating employment laws.
The ride-sharing firm has been accused of exploiting drivers. Uber revealed that its Swiss drivers earn an average of CHF26.81 ($26.84) per hour (after deducting the 25% commission paid to the platform).
It estimates that after deducting all costs (car depreciation, petrol, insurance), the drivers take home CHF21 per hour on average for a standard car model (Toyota Prius).
Drivers have also earned a total of CHF1.6 million in tips since the option was introduced in October 2018 which works out to CHF400 per driver per year.
Around 70% of Uber drivers use the application less than 40 hours per week, for an average of 33 weeks per year.
More
More
Swiss authorities say Uber drivers should be treated as ‘employees’
This content was published on
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has clearly indicated that Uber drivers should be classed as employees rather than self-employed.
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Sylvain Saudan, ‘skier of the impossible’, dies aged 87
This content was published on
The Swiss father of extreme skiing pioneered descents from the Alps to the Himalayas – and became the sport’s first star.
Hayek family buys additional Swatch shares for nearly CHF11 million
This content was published on
Following the acquisition of registered shares worth over CHF20.6 million on Monday, the Hayek family made another purchase on Tuesday.
Suicide capsule to be used in Switzerland this year, says euthanasia organisation
This content was published on
The organisation “The Last Resort” has confirmed that the suicide capsule Sarco is to be used in Switzerland. This should happen this year, it said.
Ukrainian children flown to Switzerland for cancer treatment
This content was published on
The Swiss air rescue service Rega flew two Ukrainian children with cancer to Switzerland from a hospital in Kyiv hit by Russian missiles.
Swiss Solidarity raises over CHF10 million for victims of extreme weather
This content was published on
The money raised will be used to help those affected by the recent storms and flooding in the cantons of Ticino, Graubünden, and Valais.
Swiss giant Roche given green light for lung cancer drug in Canada
This content was published on
According to a recent study, Roche’s Alecensaro reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 76% compared to chemotherapy alone.
Swiss luxury watch market hit hard by China-led slump
This content was published on
Sales of Swiss-made luxury watches are in sharp retreat as nervous consumers reconsider splashing out on expensive timepieces and demand slumps.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Uber plans softer Swiss expansion drive
This content was published on
Uber is present in Zurich, Basel, Geneva and Lausanne with 300,000 regular customers and some 2,600 drivers in Switzerland, Salom told SonntagsBlick. But it has also run into some difficulties with local authorities, trade unions and taxi drivers who complain of unfair competition. “Yes, we made mistakes. We wanted to grow too fast, we were…
This content was published on
Zurich’s Social Security Court has found that Uber drivers in Switzerland are not employed by a Swiss firm; they have a contract with a Dutch one.
Uber recognised as professional ‘call centre’ in Lausanne
This content was published on
The controversial ride-hailing app service Uber now operates with professional drivers and is recognised as a “call centre” in the Lausanne area.
What makes people become Uber cabbies in Lausanne?
This content was published on
Uber has entered its latest Swiss city – Lausanne – but for a controversial company in a place with low unemployment and high wages, how easy is it to find drivers?
This content was published on
The demonstration was organised by Switzerland’s largest single trade union, Unia, and the national taxi trade union. Following a demonstration at Bern’s football stadium, there was a procession of taxis through the city, before a petition was handed over to the government. The unions have accused Uber of undercutting fare prices, lacking adequate insurance cover,…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.