Uber Eats is committed to serving the people in Sri Lanka despite the fuel crisis and other challenges and hopes the country tides over this difficult period soon, said General Manager, Uber Sri Lanka, Bhavna Dadlani Jayawardena in an interview with the Sunday Observer Business.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q: The fuel crisis has had an impact across industries. What is Uber Eats doing to overcome this challenge?
A: The fuel crisis has impacted most industries including deliveries for Uber Eats. It has been tough for people and businesses alike. We are committed to serving the people in Sri Lanka and hope the country tides over this difficult period soon.
Our focus has been to stay agile during this time and find solutions as we navigate through this volatile period. One example of this has been the introduction of cycle deliveries that has been widely accepted and appreciated. Switching to cycles has helped us continue deliveries, give courier partners a new way to earn flexibly with Uber Eats and support restaurants during this challenging time.
The Uber Eats team in Sri Lanka continues to explore different ways to cope with the current situation and move forward.
Q: How many cycle partners have you onboarded thus far? How far can a single cyclist travel for deliveries?
A: We have over 150 courier partners delivering on cycles across Colombo and nearby areas. We expect this number to go up as more people look for flexible work. Some courier partners who were earlier delivering on motorcycles, have switched to cycles because obtaining fuel has been difficult. Some others have started doing cycle deliveries to earn extra income.
The range for cycle deliveries is typically geo-fenced to a limited area in the vicinity of restaurants. Courier partners prefer it because they can do more deliveries over short distances and restaurant partners like it because deliveries are happening in their proximity.
Q: What are the areas now covered by cycle deliveries?
A: We had begun cycle deliveries as a pilot in Colombo. Now, we’re doing cycle deliveries across Colombo and nearby suburbs including Wattala, Rajagiriya, Pitakotte, Nugegoda, Rathmalana, and Negombo. Our plan is to keep expanding cycle deliveries across suburbs and other cities over the coming months.
Q: Are cycle deliveries sustainable? Is it possible to meet the demand and, more importantly, is it possible for courier partners to sustain such strenuous physical activity over a longer timeframe?
A: Courier partners on cycles will typically deliver within a radius of 2-3 kilometers and can choose the volume of deliveries they make.
There is complete flexibility just like any other transport mode on the platform and the interest is high because the delivery radius is limited while the investment is lower for the courier partner.
Cycle deliveries can support sustainable earnings, it is the reason why we are seeing a significant pick-up in numbers of courier partners signing up for it.
Low investment, deliveries in a limited radius and overall positive feedback from couriers is the reason why the adoption has been quick.
Globally, micro mobility is seen as the future with cycle deliveries being viewed as a possible solution for first/last mile delivery challenges. Going forward, in Sri Lanka, we believe one-third of our deliveries can be done via cycle deliveries.
Q: Is cycle delivery a fad? Would people want to do cycle deliveries once the situation becomes normal?
A: Results from our pilot in Colombo and growing demand suggests that the model works. We believe that cycle deliveries will continue to be part of the scheme of things even once normalcy is restored. The shift to micromobility has been expedited due to the current crisis but it is here to stay.
Q: How much do you pay cycle partners? What are the benefits of becoming a cycle delivery partner?
A: Earning with Uber is flexible and dependent on several factors including the time you spend on the platform and the number of deliveries you make. As a platform, we always strive to ensure that we are offering the most attractive independent work opportunity to those who are seeking flexible work. The feedback on cycle deliveries has been encouraging. After a lower initial upfront investment, courier partners are satisfied with their earnings and are referring many others to take up cycle deliveries.
We also provide 24/7 support, tech enabled safety features and a starter pack, which includes a delivery bag, helmet and safety jacket, along with other ongoing support and assistance to all partners.
Q: Many people are cycling now, and it is becoming convenient for them to pick up food from nearby places. In this atmosphere, how is Uber Eats creating a value proposition for users?
A: All options including delivery on motorbikes, on cycles, and customers picking their own orders will co-exist. After all, customers picking their own orders is not new! We add value by delivering during this challenging time to the comfort of our customers’ homes. Restaurant partners that have been affected adversely by the crisis, depend on Uber Eats to make deliveries while courier partners earn from the exercise too.
Q: What is your near-term outlook and strategy, and what are your main priorities? Is Uber Eats making arrangements for its own fuel stocks, now the market is open for private investment and activity?
A: As a proud Sri Lankan who believes in the potential of this country, my heart goes out to the most adversely affected communities. I sincerely believe that things will get better and we will emerge from this crisis soon.
As a business leader, I want to continue serving the community and do my best possible to steer my team and support our partners through this crisis. My focus is on courier partners on our platform, merchant partners, and our customers.
Initiatives like delivery on cycles will protect courier partners and give them a source to earn flexibly. For merchant partners, we want to support their business by making deliveries during the crisis. For customers, we want to be a reliable service to deliver not just food items but also essentials such as groceries.
We will continue to engage with public and private stakeholders to help support the Sri Lankan community in the best way we can.