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.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
This content was published on
A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.
More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative
This content was published on
A total of 257 companies from Switzerland have signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). In doing so, they are committing to CO2 reduction targets that are compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Swiss accident prevention group sees federal targets at risk
This content was published on
The Swiss government's target for accident figures is at risk, reckons Mario Cavegn, member of the executive board of the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.
Feminicide: Swiss justice minister calls for electronic monitoring
This content was published on
Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans has called for electronic monitoring and an ankle bracelet warning system for perpetrators of violence against women.
This content was published on
American artist Chaka Khan ‘and friends’ opened the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival on Friday. For over three hours, their show, dedicated to their friend and mentor Quincy Jones, thrilled the audience,
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.