Uber to cut fares in Bucharest by up to 30%
This week, Uber is cutting fares in Bucharest by 10-30% to attract more Romanian riders, while also reducing vehicle age requirements to help recruit more local drivers. Cars up to 15 years old will now be eligible for use by Uber drivers, increased from the previous requirement that cars should be no older than 10 years.

Starting August 30, Uber cuts its rates by 10 percent for uberX and by 30 percent for UberSELECT, respectively. Additionally, the ride-sharing company loosened its conditions for partner drivers, in order to make the service more accessible and include a larger number of cars.

Starting Tuesday, the service will also be available on cars up to 15 years old, compared to 10 years, as it was previously accepted, a press release informs. An important argument supporting the move is the fact that in Romania there are numerous cars that, although are older than 10 years, are still in very good condition, the company revealed. Accordingly, users who opt for the uberX service will be able to travel with Dacia Logan, Peugeot 207, Skoda Fabia, Volkswagen Polo or Renault Clio cars.

As for Uber SELECT, the service will be available on cars not older than 10 years, and includes several models, such as AudiA3, Citroen C4, Dacia Duster and Ford Focus.

“These changes have a clear objective: to open the Uber platform to a greater public. The new tariffs allow even more people to press a button and request a cheap ride – we expect requests for Uber services to increase considerably within the next months, which will also bring higher income for partners. At the same time, we are changing the platform’s access criteria so that more drivers can make an income driving their own car,” Nicoleta Schroeder, General Manager Uber Romania said in a press release.

In the upcoming period, Uber informs, the company will provide a guaranteed income to partner drivers, in order to ensure that the transition does not have an impact on them on the short-term. On the medium and long term, the company warns, these changes will lead to an increase in the income of partner drivers, as, when tariffs go down, the service becomes more attractive to people.

Ride-sharing company Uber entered the Romanian market in February 2015. In Bucharest it offers the uberX, UberSELECT and Uber Child Seat services.

Georgeta Gheorghe