UberFlash and UberTaxi launch in Malaysia

Photo credit: Uber Malaysia

Uber Malaysia introduced two new services today, UberFlash and UberTaxi, aiming to make it easier for Malaysians to use the ride-hailing app.

With UberTaxi, Malaysian taxi cabs will be available upon request via Uber. Meanwhile, UberFlash will connect riders to the driver closest to them, whether that is a private UberX car or a taxi on the e-hailing network. 

This is the latest in Uber’s efforts to diversify its services in the region. Previously, Uber users in Malaysia could only hail private cars, which resulted in a pushback from licensed taxi operators.

In July, Uber inked a partnership deal with Gabungan, an association representing Malaysian taxi companies. Around 500 Gabungan taxi drivers are now active on the ride-hailing app.

Shorter wait times

With the two new services, Uber claims users can expect shorter wait times, as they will be picked up by any vehicle on the network that is nearest to them, including taxis.

All UberFlash rides will be priced the same as an UberX, and riders will be able to see the fare before requesting a ride. As for UberTaxi, pricing will be based on taxi meter rates.

Warren Tseng, general manager of Uber Malaysia and Singapore, in today’s release said the company is looking forward to offering more drivers the choice of flexible earning opportunities.

In the neighboring Indonesia, Uber has partnered with taxi operator Express in an effort to localize its service. However, it’s not spun out as a separate UberFlash feature but comes integrated into UberX. Uber also recently announced a possible alliance with Singapore’s largest taxi operator. 

In Malaysia, Uber’s rival Grab has offered ride-hailing for licensed taxis for some time now. It started as a taxi aggregator under the name MyTeksi before adding the private car-hailing service.