Uber considering cash payments

KUALA LUMPUR: Uber is not ruling out the possibility of allowing passengers to pay cash in the future as the ride-sharing app company is planning to expand its operations nationwide.
Following a move by its local competitors to offer cash as an alternative to electronic payment via credit and debit cards, Uber is mulling to introduce the cash-payment mode in order not to lose traction with the app-savvy public transport commuters in Malaysia.
"Expansion (in the country) is definitely on the cards," said Uber Malaysia general Leon Foong after the luncheon with the media this afternoon.
Currently, Uber services are only available in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Penang and Ipoh.
As part of the expansion plans, Foong said Uber Malaysia would always evaluate and test new payment options for different markets.
"Cash option is currently available in four markets in Southeast Asia," he added.
However, he said, Uber has no immediate plans to introduce cash for paying fares in Malaysia.
Stating that Uber has been receiving fantastic response from the public since its launching in 2014, Foong said that Uber has succeeded in creating flexible working and entrepreneurship opportunities, " for many tens of thousands of Malaysians."
"By 2017, we hope to create 100,000 such opportunities," Foong pointed out.
When asked about Uber's engagement with the authorities in the wake of recent crackdown against Uber drivers, he replied: "We continue to engage the authorities regularly."
"We are also having very positive discussions with the relevant authorities in Malaysia," he said.
"It is important to understand that we share a common vision with the government to provide commuters across cities in Malaysia with access to urban mobility options that are safe, reliable and affordable."