Latest news with #rideHailing
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The misery of being a delivery driver in Britain: Two-thirds of riders suffer ANXIETY over unfair bad reviews, study finds
If you use apps such as Deliveroo and Uber, you might want to think twice about giving the delivery driver a bad review. A new study by scientists at the University of Cambridge lays bear the misery of being a food delivery worker or ride-hailing driver in Britain. More than two-thirds of riders and drivers in UK's 'gig economy' suffer anxiety over long hours and bad ratings, the experts report. Meanwhile, three-quarters have anxiety over fears that their pay – typically below the UK minimum wage – is going to fall. Lead study author Dr Alex Wood from Cambridge's Department of Sociology said riders and drivers 'have little in the way of rights or bargaining power'. 'Delivery and ride-hailing platforms combine manual work with tight algorithmic management and digital surveillance,' he said. 'Platform companies call themselves tech firms, but in practice they govern, control and profit from labour they claim not to own, without bearing employer responsibility. 'If your job is at the mercy of a quick click on a stranger's phone, it is likely to fuel a constant hum of uncertainty and anxiety, along with feelings of being judged, monitored and replaceable.' In a survey workers, 65 per cent of riders and drivers reported feeling either fairly or very anxious over unexpected changes to working hours. Not all workers answered all the questions, hence there is some variation in the numbers of respondents The study focused on job quality in the UK's 'gig economy' – the labour market characterised by short-term contracts or freelance work, rather than permanent jobs. Gig economy workers operate as self-employed contractors who sign up for work on digital platforms such as Uber, Deliveroo, Amazon Flex and Upwork. These digital platforms typically match the workers with customers and pay a base rate per job, with higher rates at peak times or 'surges'. 'All manner of gig work has exploded in recent years, from delivering food to building websites,' said Dr Wood. 'Many of us now summon people and labour at the tap of a smartphone screen without much thought, rarely considering the process or the people behind it.' Between March and June 2022, Dr Wood and colleagues surveyed 510 gig economy workers in the UK about different feelings towards their role. Of the total, 257 were defined as 'local' platform workers – those tied to locations such as delivery riders for the likes of Deliveroo, Uber and Amazon Flex. The remaining 253 were 'remote' platform workers – whose labour is digital and so can remote work from anywhere, on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. In all, 65 per cent of local workers reported feeling either 'fairly anxious' or 'very anxious' about future unexpected changes to working hours, compared with 40 per cent for remote workers. An even greater proportion of local workers – 74 per cent – were at all anxious about having less say over how their job is done, compared with 40 per cent for remote workers. Also, more local workers reported anxiety over the potential for pay to fall (75 per cent compared to 59 per cent of remote workers). And 64 per cent were anxious about it becoming more difficult for them to use their skills going forward – due to the fear of automation, for example – compared with 46 per cent for remote. Another part of the research uncovered 'very high' levels of insecurity among respondents in terms of feeling there was a chance of losing their ability to make a living and becoming unemployed as well as other types of work-related insecurity. For example, 68 per cent of local platform workers said they feared receiving 'unfair feedback that impacts their future income'. Just over half of local workers (51 per cent) said they risked physical health or safety, nearly five times higher than remote workers (11 per cent). And 43 per cent said they suffer physical pain resulting from work, compared with about 13 per cent for remote workers. When asked 'how often does your job involve working to tight deadlines?', 22 per cent of local workers responded 'all the time', compared with 4 per cent for remote workers Local workers also reported spending an average of 10 hours a week waiting for jobs to come through on the app, compared with four hours for remote workers. But regardless of how long they're doing this for, the gig economy experience means they logged on and technically working but not making any money, according to the researchers. However, they admit that gig economy workers have flexibility and a level of independence that permanent workers don't get. The study, published in the journal Work, Employment and Society, is the first to provide statistical data on job quality in the UK's 'gig economy'. 'Attempts to investigate working conditions in the UK gig economy have been hampered by the difficulty of identifying and accessing people doing the work,' said co-author Professor Brendan Burchell, sociologist at the University of Cambridge. 'Classifying someone as self-employed doesn't change the fact they can be economically dependent and exploited.' MailOnline has contacted Deliveroo and Uber for comment. In separate yet-to-be-published research, Cambridge University PhD candidate Jon White is conducting interviews with delivery drivers in Cambridge city centre. According to the findings, drivers are constantly pushing to earn enough to make end's meet to the detriment of their health Some working on multiple apps at the same time. One driver spoke of the need for a solid minimum pay rate: '…when it's busy on a rainy day, at that time they pay a really good fare. But sometimes when it's not busy, so that time fare is not enough for us because we go two miles, three miles and get a really low fare. So I think if they pay minimum every day, it will be really helpful for us.' Another driver described the pain in their body: '…especially in my thighs, all the time, ever since I started, I've never had a good sleep. Every day, I get home, just have to take a shower quickly after my body gets cold… and eat something then go to sleep because I can't do this work for a long time.' They say the long hours are down to low pay: 'Because I have to do my... a minimum every day so, I can at least pay my bills, right? Just to survive. I still have to pay rent, food, so... If I don't do this amount, this minimum in a day, I can't go home.'
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
China robotaxis, Indian pharma among hedge fund top picks at Sohn Hong Kong
HONG KONG, June 2 (Reuters) - Hedge funds revealed their top investment ideas, ranging from Chinese self-driving taxis, an Indian drug retailer, to a Korean nuclear plant builder, at the annual Sohn investment conference in Hong Kong. This year's picks are geographically more diverse compared to last year, suggesting that investors are actively seeking to spread their exposure to counter tariff uncertainties and market volatility. San Francisco-based Flight Deck Capital sees upside potential in Chinese search engine giant Baidu ( opens new tab, betting on its fast-growing auto-driving business. Similar to Google's self-driving unit Waymo, Baidu's Apollo Go "is the only robo-taxi player in China that's not dependent on the capital markets to scale," Flight Deck founder and managing partner Jay Kahn said at the conference on Friday. He expects China's taxi and ride-share industry to grow to around $237 billion by 2034, with Apollo taking a 15% market share. But that segment, together with Baidu's cloud business, is currently given zero valuation by the market, he said. Notably, investor optimism on Chinese firms going overseas has not been derailed by the escalating U.S.-China trade war. Hong Kong's Apeiron Capital pitched Chinese ride-hailing company DiDi Global , citing its improving margin at home and its quick market share building in Latin America. Meanwhile Triata Capital is upbeat on Chinese discount e-commerce player PDD (PDD.O), opens new tab, the owner of Temu. "One statistic that a lot of people don't know is that their MAU right now is bigger than Amazon," Triata CIO Sean Ho said, referring to Temu's monthly active users. Two investors set their sights on India's healthcare space. Singapore's Arisaig Partners favors MedPlus Health Services ( opens new tab, a leading pharmacy chain in India, as its private label products strengthen its low-price proposition, widening the gap with competitors. "Inflation is lower, government is focusing on the middle class and consumer spending is coming off a low base. I simply believe this is the time when the consumer space in general will do better," Vatsal Mody, partner and head of India research at Arisaig Partners said in an interview ahead of the conference. India-based hedge fund startup Panvira Management is bullish on Piramal Pharma ( opens new tab, a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), expecting its growth to accelerate to high teens and to benefit from tax rate normalisation. Other emerging hedge funds focused on opportunities in the security sector driven by geopolitical conflicts. Jon Jhun, who manages Management's new Korea-focused fund, chose Hyundai Engineering & Construction ( opens new tab, which engages in nuclear plant engineering, procurement and construction (EPC). "Korea dominates the ex-Russia, ex-China nuclear supply chain," he said. Hong Kong's Frontline Global Management picked Spanish defence firm Indra Sistemas ( opens new tab, believing the firm will win more European contracts. On the activist investor side, UK hedge fund Palliser Capital disclosed a 3% stake in Japan's Toyo Tire (5105.T), opens new tab at the event, urging the tire maker to boost shareholder returns by setting a "best-in-class" performance target and releasing its excess capital of about $900 million to shareholders. Seth Fischer's Oasis Management is long Japanese entertainment complex chain Round One (4680.T), opens new tab, betting it will gain a re-rating as it ventures into the restaurant industry aiming to bring Michelin-quality Japanese food to the U.S.
CBC
29-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Toronto's largest taxi company warns of shortage of accessible cabs as early as 2026
Shah Hzart says driving an accessible taxi in Toronto is very rewarding — he enjoys helping people. But it's not as financially rewarding, even when he works seven days a week. The costs associated with the vehicle are equivalent to a mortgage, he says. "If I don't work one day, I am behind," Hzart said. "I have to work every single day to break even, I am not saving anything." There may be nearly 100 fewer accessible taxis on Toronto's roads as early as next year, as Canada's largest taxi company warns most of its accessible fleet will age past the city's limits, and there isn't enough incentive for new drivers to take on the role. Ninety-eight of Beck's 100 accessible vehicles will need to be replaced as of March 2026, according to operations manager Kristine Hubbard. While the city has made efforts to buy the fleet time — including allowing wheelchair accessible vehicles to be on the road for up to 10 years instead of seven — Hubbard says Beck's concerned drivers won't want to sign up for the job unless more financial support is provided for the industry. The city says it offers incentive programs and grants for drivers. While ride-hailing services took away some of his business, Hzart says there is such a great need for accessible rides that he often has back to back rides booked. "Right now when I talk to customers, they wait an hour or two for me to get there," he said. He says he tried to take one day off recently and got an emergency call to take a client to a rehab appointment, which he agreed to. "Once I start my car I don't stop because there's so much demand I go from one place to another," Hzart said. Plan needed for future, Beck Taxi says There is a lack of motivation and interest from drivers when it comes to taking on the role of operating an accessible cab, Hubbard says. Drivers have to be willing to purchase and customize a new minivan. Those costs, along with fuel and insurance, have skyrocketed in recent years, she says. "Drivers are not making a living and we're going to be in real trouble," she said, adding she's been flagging this problem to the city for years. Hubbard says the city should implement a centralized system, combining all of the accessible cabs in one place to help alleviate confusion and wait times for those calling an accessible cab. "Maybe that's run by the city, maybe a third party, but if it's all on one platform people won't have to hope they're calling the right place to get the service," she said. "The business plan has to exist. It doesn't right now." City says it offers financial incentives The City of Toronto's Accessibility Fund Program has provided incentives for wheelchair accessible taxicab owners and drivers to help offset the costs of providing this service since 2020, city spokesperson Shane Gerard said in a statement. "The program offers a grant to cover vehicle conversion costs and an incentive based on meeting service standards. Drivers could also receive an incentive for providing wheelchair accessible service," Gerard said. WATCH | It's expensive to have a disability: Research shows it's expensive to thrive in the GTA if you have a disability 8 months ago Duration 3:03 The grant is split into annual disbursements over the lifespan of the vehicle. The program is funded by a charge the city levies on taxi, ride-hailing and limousine drivers of non-accessible vehicles. Between 2020 and 2024, owners of 2,303 vehicles operating as accessible taxis, limos and ride-hailing services have accessed grants and incentives through the program, Gerard told CBC Toronto. While this money helps, drivers say it's not enough. Hzart for example, with a rear entry vehicle, would be eligible to receive about $3,800 per year for seven years, according to numbers provided by the city. He says his current monthly expenses are around $3,000. Next year, his vehicle will be one of two that is still able to remain on the road. He hopes a plan is put in place before then, because he doesn't want to see vulnerable residents left behind. "I can't do this alone," he said. "There has to be a solution or a way to convince drivers to come back."
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Chinese robotaxi makers head to a welcoming Gulf as overseas ambitions grow
ABU DHABI - If you're a Chinese robotaxi company, the Gulf has become the place to be, attractive for a regulatory environment that is embracing the technology and robust demand for ride-hailing services. Their enthusiasm has been evident in a flurry of recently announced expansion plans. This week, became the third Chinese robotaxi company after rivals Baidu and WeRide to unveil an agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority in the United Arab Emirates. It plans to start trialling its vehicles in the city this year with full driverless operations slated to start in 2026. WeRide also said this week it would be expanding into Saudi Arabia, where it has been testing its vehicles in cities like Riyadh, adding that it expects commercial services to start in late 2025. That follows its launch of fully driverless robotaxi trials in the UAE's Abu Dhabi this month with commercial rides due to be rolled out from the end of June. It also soon plans to launch in Dubai. Baidu outlined plans in March to deploy "dozens" of robotaxis in partnership with UAE-based Autogo in Abu Dhabi with a goal to start commercial operations by 2026. It also aims to start trials in Dubai this year. The UAE "is relatively open but they are also careful and pragmatic on details," said Zhang Liang, a general manager in Baidu's autonomous driving unit Apollo, who oversees European and the Middle East markets. "We are actually happy to see positive and active competition and we won't be afraid of such competition," he said at the World New Energy Vehicle Congress in Abu Dhabi last week. Worried about worsening traffic congestion and a shortage of taxi and ride-hailing services that largely rely on migrant workers for their drivers, Dubai has set a goal of having 25% of its daily transportation be smart and driverless by 2030. Abu Dhabi's target is 25% of total trips by 2040 while Saudi Arabia is aiming for 15% by 2030. "Middle East and this kind of market, they already have the infrastructure, they have the capital, they have the ambition, which is very important. So that's why everybody is queuing up here," said Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem, a Qatar-based independent consultant. Both and WeRide have partnered with Uber in the region so their vehicles can be ordered through the Uber app. FUTURE US-CHINA BATTLEGROUND? The Gulf may become the region where Chinese and U.S. robotaxis go head to head for the first time. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said during a Gulf tour with U.S. President Donald Trump this month that he would take Cybercab robotaxis to Saudi Arabia, although he didn't mention a timeframe. At present, however, Waymo is the only U.S. firm to run uncrewed robotaxi services carrying paying passengers. Tesla plans to launch a trial in Austin, Texas by the end of June, aiming to scale up to about a thousand vehicles within a few months. Its Chinese rivals have more experience. Baidu's Zhang said the company was confident it could do well abroad, citing how its vehicles had completed 10 million trips in China as of March without a serious traffic accident. The search engine giant has been running its Apollo Go robotaxi services commercially in several Chinese cities since 2022. The vehicles have so-called 4 autonomy - which means they are driverless but can travel only in certain areas. Those areas can, however, be quite large with the city of Wuhan, for example, making more than 3,000 km of public roads available for robotaxi use. "This year marks the first year for Apollo to go abroad officially," Zhang said. The company plans to make forays into Europe and Southeast Asia, he added without providing a timeframe. which has a fleet of 300 robotaxis in China, said long term it hopes to integrate its robotaxis with Dubai's metro and tram routes. Backed by Japan's Toyota, sees this year as its inaugural year for large-scale commercial deployment and aims to ramp up its fleet globally to thousands of vehicles in the next two years. It also has test permits in the United States, South Korea and Luxembourg. WeRide said it has begun "public operation" of its robotaxi GXR minivan in several Chinese cities as well as Zurich and Abu Dhabi. It partnered with Uber in May to expand into 15 cities in the next five years and says that in addition to the Middle East, Singapore, Japan and Europe face driver shortages in the transportation sector, making them key target markets. (Reporting by Zhang Yan; Editing by Brenda Goh and Edwina Gibbs)
Reuters
28-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Chinese robotaxi makers head to a welcoming Gulf as overseas ambitions grow
ABU DHABI, May 29 (Reuters) - If you're a Chinese robotaxi company, the Gulf has become the place to be, attractive for a regulatory environment that is embracing the technology and robust demand for ride-hailing services. Their enthusiasm has been evident in a flurry of recently announced expansion plans. This week, (PONY.O), opens new tab became the third Chinese robotaxi company after rivals Baidu ( opens new tab and WeRide (WRD.O), opens new tab to unveil an agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority in the United Arab Emirates. It plans to start trialling its vehicles in the city this year with full driverless operations slated to start in 2026. WeRide also said this week it would be expanding into Saudi Arabia, where it has been testing its vehicles in cities like Riyadh, adding that it expects commercial services to start in late 2025. That follows its launch of fully driverless robotaxi trials in the UAE's Abu Dhabi this month with commercial rides due to be rolled out from the end of June. It also soon plans to launch in Dubai. Baidu outlined plans in March to deploy "dozens" of robotaxis in partnership with UAE-based Autogo in Abu Dhabi with a goal to start commercial operations by 2026. It also aims to start trials in Dubai this year. The UAE "is relatively open but they are also careful and pragmatic on details," said Zhang Liang, a general manager in Baidu's autonomous driving unit Apollo, who oversees European and the Middle East markets. "We are actually happy to see positive and active competition and we won't be afraid of such competition," he said at the World New Energy Vehicle Congress in Abu Dhabi last week. Worried about worsening traffic congestion and a shortage of taxi and ride-hailing services that largely rely on migrant workers for their drivers, Dubai has set a goal of having 25% of its daily transportation be smart and driverless by 2030. Abu Dhabi's target is 25% of total trips by 2040 while Saudi Arabia is aiming for 15% by 2030. "Middle East and this kind of market, they already have the infrastructure, they have the capital, they have the ambition, which is very important. So that's why everybody is queuing up here," said Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem, a Qatar-based independent consultant. Both and WeRide have partnered with Uber (UBER.N), opens new tab in the region so their vehicles can be ordered through the Uber app. The Gulf may become the region where Chinese and U.S. robotaxis go head to head for the first time. Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab CEO Elon Musk said during a Gulf tour with U.S. President Donald Trump this month that he would take Cybercab robotaxis to Saudi Arabia, although he didn't mention a timeframe. At present, however, Waymo is the only U.S. firm to run uncrewed robotaxi services carrying paying passengers. Tesla plans to launch a trial in Austin, Texas by the end of June, aiming to scale up to about a thousand vehicles within a few months. Its Chinese rivals have more experience. Baidu's Zhang said the company was confident it could do well abroad, citing how its vehicles had completed 10 million trips in China as of March without a serious traffic accident. The search engine giant has been running its Apollo Go robotaxi services commercially in several Chinese cities since 2022. The vehicles have so-called 4 autonomy - which means they are driverless but can travel only in certain areas. Those areas can, however, be quite large with the city of Wuhan, for example, making more than 3,000 km of public roads available for robotaxi use. "This year marks the first year for Apollo to go abroad officially," Zhang said. The company plans to make forays into Europe and Southeast Asia, he added without providing a timeframe. which has a fleet of 300 robotaxis in China, said long term it hopes to integrate its robotaxis with Dubai's metro and tram routes. Backed by Japan's Toyota (7203.T), opens new tab, sees this year as its inaugural year for large-scale commercial deployment and aims to ramp up its fleet globally to thousands of vehicles in the next two years. It also has test permits in the United States, South Korea and Luxembourg. WeRide said it has begun "public operation" of its robotaxi GXR minivan in several Chinese cities as well as Zurich and Abu Dhabi. It partnered with Uber in May to expand into 15 cities in the next five years and says that in addition to the Middle East, Singapore, Japan and Europe face driver shortages in the transportation sector, making them key target markets.
