Uber Shuts Operations In Pakistan's Lahore, Customers 'Shocked' By Move

uber shuts operations in pakistan’s lahore, custormers ‘shocked’ by move

After Uber announced its decision to quit Lahore and operate in the city through its subsidiary Careem, several customers from Lahore were shocked at the decision. Uber was already operating through Careem in five cities in Pakistan, after ceasing operations there in October 2022. Lahore was hitherto the only city where the Uber app was still operational.

However, on Tuesday, Uber sent an email to customers in Lahore saying that the app will stop operating in the city starting April 30. Describing it as a “difficult decision,” the ride-hailing platform said that Uber users will be provided with seamless onboarding on the Careem app – a former rival of Uber which was later acquired by them in 2019 for $3.1 billion.

Many Larohe residents were disappointed and expressed their frustration on social media.

“Don’t tell me #Uber is shutting down its services in Pakistan, specifically Lahore? No way!! 😕 I always preferred Uber over any other service, always found it cheap, quick, easy & secure. Now who’ll ask ‘Where to?’ every time i get off the bus after reaching Lahore,” one user wrote.

“After pulling out of Islamabad, Karachi, Multan, and multiple other cities in 2022, Uber has now shut down services in Lahore 30-4-2024… @Uber,” wrote another.

“Ride-hailing services will continue to be offered through our subsidiary brand Careem and you will have the option to sign up and request a trip on Careem to have a seamless experience,” the email from Uber to residents of Lahore read.

“In light of this, Careem Rides may reach out to you to check in and sign up. Please fill the form provided below by May 3, 2024, if you do not want your details to be shared with Careem.

“If you currently hold Uber Cash balance in your Uber Wallet, we will be communicating with you in due course on the process for reclaiming your Uber Cash balance,” it said. Users were also offered a 50 per cent discount on five rides with Careem.