Sunday Observer Business got the opportunity to interview two executives of Uber, General Manager of Uber Eats Sri Lanka, Pivithuru Kodikara and Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for the Asia Pacific region, Mike Orgill recently.
During the discussion, we delved into a range of topics related to Uber’s operations in Sri Lanka and the Asia Pacific region, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the company’s approach to sustainability and social responsibility and its plans for the future.
In this article, we share some of the highlights of the conversation with Kodikara and Orgill, offering insights into Uber’s strategy and vision for the region.
Uber’s partnership with Lumala, a Sri Lankan bicycle manufacturer, to introduce electric bikes for their delivery partners in Sri Lanka is a significant step towards sustainable mobility. This partnership aims to provide a cleaner and more eco-friendly mode of transportation while also creating job opportunities for locals.
Lumala’s e-bikes are equipped with lithium-ion batteries and can travel up to 100 kilometres on a single charge, making them a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for Uber’s delivery partners. The electric bikes also have the added benefit of reducing carbon emissions, as they emit significantly less pollution than traditional gas-powered motorcycles.
The introduction of electric bikes is one step in Uber’s larger efforts towards sustainable mobility. The company has set ambitious goals to become a zero-emissions platform by 2040, which includes transitioning to electric vehicles and investing in sustainable modes of transportation.
The Lumala e-cycle is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for delivery partners who want to cover longer distances and save money on fuel costs. With the growing demand for delivery services, Lumala e-cycles are becoming a popular choice for many delivery partners.
To support delivery partners, the company will facilitate a discount on the purchase of Lumala e-cycles and also on spare parts for delivery partners on its platform in the future. This incentive program aims to encourage more delivery partners to switch to Lumala e-cycles and enjoy the benefits of this eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
Ubers launch of EV cycle delivery in Sri Lanka could potentially have a positive impact on the environment, as electric vehicles produce less emission compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. This could help to reduce air pollution, which is a significant problem in many urban areas in Sri Lanka.
Uber has been known to work closely with governments and local authorities to understand the transportation needs of a particular city or region. This enables Uber to tailor its services to better meet the needs of the local community and contribute to the development of sustainable transportation solutions.
Uber often partners with public transport providers to complement and enhance existing transportation infrastructure. For example, Uber has launched a number of partnerships with public transit authorities around the world to provide users with easy access to public transportation.
In the case of Sri Lanka, the company is exploring opportunities for collaboration and partnership in the development of sustainable transportation solutions. This could involve working with local authorities to understand the specific transportation needs of Sri Lanka, partnering with public transit providers to enhance existing infrastructure, investing in sustainable transportation solutions, and exploring the potential of shared mobility.
In September 2020, Uber made a commitment to become a zero-emissions platform by 2040, which includes a pledge to transition all Uber Eats trips to sustainable mobility.
To achieve this goal, Uber plans to allocate $800 million in resources to help drive its transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025. The company has also committed to becoming a fully electric platform in the United States, Canada, and Europe by 2030 and to globally achieve this goal by 2040.
In summary, Uber’s vision of moving all Uber Eats trips to sustainable mobility by 2040 is part of its larger commitment to becoming a zero-emissions platform. To achieve this goal, Uber plans to invest in supporting its drivers in transitioning to EVs, working with delivery partners and restaurants to encourage sustainable practices, and setting science-based emissions reduction targets.