Cab app Uber is now also offering its services in several Belgian coastal cities. “With this launch, the Uber app is available in all major coastal cities, just in time for the summer season,” the American company said in a press release.
“By offering more accessible and reliable ride options, we aim to reduce parking pressure and traffic congestion while continuing our efforts to improve mobility across the country,” says Laurent Slits, general manager at Uber Belgium.
Discount on the first two rides
The app is being rolled out not only in popular seaside cities such as Knokke-Heist and Ostend, but also in Blankenberge, Bredene, De Haan, Duinbergen, Heist-Aan-Zee, Het Zoute, Lombardsijde, Mariakerke, Middelkerke, Wenduine, and Zeebrugge.
Uber, active in Flanders since 2020, aims to expand its presence with the rollout and cooperation with local cab drivers, targeting not only residents and Belgian visitors but also Dutch and German tourists who flock to the coast during the summer months and sunny weekends.
The services offered include UberX, Uber’s most widely used service, as well as UberVan, UberComfort, and UberGreen. Last year, competitor Bolt also started offering rides by the sea.
To introduce new users to the Uber app, they will receive up to 25 euros discount on their first two rides with the promotional code HALLODEKUST. The code is valid through June 22nd. The offer cannot be combined with other promotions or discount codes, though.
Heat and mobility plan in Knokke-Heist
For those planning to visit Knokke-Heist, for example, an Uber cab may be a welcome alternative. This is because, in that municipality, the heat and mobility plan will take effect today and tomorrow, between 12:30 and 6 p.m.
The plan comes into effect due to the predicted hot weather and the crowds it is expected to bring to the coastal municipality. This is the first time the new plan has taken effect.
To keep traffic flow manageable, avoid parking problems, and prevent traffic congestion, a section of Knokke center will be closed to cars, and only local traffic will be permitted.
Note: At the end of May, some 500 cab drivers demonstrated in Brussels. They demanded fairer compensation systems from cab platforms such as Uber. They believe the companies demand too much commission from rides, leaving cab drivers with insufficient funds.
