Uber testing plans to include taxis in Egypt services

Uber Egypt said on Tuesday that it was testing incorporating existing taxi cabs into the ride-hailing services it offers in the country.

The service had had success in other markets, Uber said in a statement.

Taxis are “an integral part” of Egypt’s transportation system, Uber said, adding that the testing is part of its aims to meet the different needs of the Egyptian market, “while continuing to create economic opportunities for drivers.”

The White Taxi Drivers and Owners Association, Egypt's biggest grouping of taxi drivers, said on Tuesday, however, that it was against the move.

"Uber wants to take a 19 percent commission from white taxi drivers without any additional benefit to the driver,” Mahmoud Abdel Hamid, head of the association, told Ahram Online.