Way forward in mobility solutions is electric – UBER’ Eats’ Asia Pacific GM

By Darshana Abayasingha

Uber Eats is aggressively adopting electric, with the US-based mobility service provider listing sustainability as a global priority. Speaking to the Daily FT in Colombo, Uber Eats Regional General Manager for Asia Pacific Region Saskia de Jongh said there is a great deal of focus on reducing its carbon footprint through transport and even packaging. 

Electric bikes have already been deployed by Uber in Sri Lanka, partly due to the prevalent crisis, but Saskia adds this is also part of a global campaign to open up to different energy sources.

In Sri Lanka, Uber now operates in Colombo, Galle, Kurunegala, Gampaha, Kandy and Kalutara. The company has commenced discussions with several organisations to make electric bicycles available and affordable to its delivery partners and merchants over the short term, while it would also explore other means of sustainable transportation over the long term.

“We are very committed to this, and it is not something we can do alone and something we want to evolve with the communities we operate in. Every market offers different experiences and modes of execution. In Australia, we have a partnership to promote electric vehicles, and there are very-strong developments in markets in the West. 

“It’s a global effort, but we are still largely in a period of testing, learning and evolving. This focus will not be limited just for our delivery business, it will extend to our mobility business as well. It’s a big investment for Uber, and we see huge potential and is a high priority for us,” Saskia adds.

The Regional General Manager and her Sri Lankan team noted local consumers and delivery partners appreciate the flexibility afforded by e-bikes, as it offers transportation options at any given time considering the prevailing fuel crisis in the country.

“Bicycles are here to stay, and with e-bikes, we can increase the distance covered and are a meaningful addition to the portfolio. Our role is to help them evolve that flexibility, and support them, and make sure it is safe and reliable,” Saskia said.

Last week, Uber donated $ 200,000 to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to help vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing crisis. The donation will be used to provide food and essential medicines to those affected island-wide.

“We are very committed to help Sri Lanka get back on its feet and evolve the local communities. We are very much part of the society and plan to be here for the long term,” she said. Customers across Sri Lanka have really enjoyed Uber’s services, and the company has enjoyed watching the uptake with people downloading the app and trying it out for the first time; especially out of Colombo, they are performing well.

Different markets in Asia and the rest of the world offer diverse characteristics, and large cities with high densities require evolved methods of transportation. Some markets use ‘walkers’ where other modes could become cumbersome. 

Saskia added that Uber is constantly listening to customer feedback to improve its offering and expand its platform and service offering. She pointed to groceries, which is an area that is receiving a lot of attention and investment.

Groceries were also offered by Uber during the crux of the pandemic with zero commission, and it has now led to new avenues of opportunity and investment. The mobility business – rides – is also receiving significant attention under the sustainability drive and integrating with the group’s other strengths, Saskia said.