Global ride-hailing company Uber has officially launched in Barbados, making the island the first destination in the Eastern Caribbean where the Uber app is available. The service, which became operational last week, allows users across the island to book rides through the Uber Taxi option, connecting them directly with licensed local taxi drivers.
Regional General Manager for the Andean Region, Central America, and the Caribbean Belén Romero said the company was pleased to begin operations in Barbados. “We are proud to start this new chapter in Barbados. This island represents a key step for Uber in the region. Our goal is to bring technology that makes it easier and safer for residents and visitors to move around, while creating more opportunities for local taxi drivers,” she said.
Romero added that Uber was committed to working within the country’s transport framework. “As part of our commitment to aligning with local priorities and contributing constructively to the transportation ecosystem in Barbados, Uber Taxi will not be available at the Bridgetown Port during the 2025/26 winter season,” she said.
Uber Taxi allows licensed taxi drivers to accept ride requests through the app while maintaining their independence. Users can view driver details, estimated fares and routes in real time. Fares are displayed in US dollars and fully comply with Transport Authority regulations. The app also includes a tipping feature for passengers wishing to show appreciation to their drivers.
The company said its introduction would help strengthen the local taxi industry by integrating technology, safety, and convenience. It noted that taxi drivers would benefit from increased earning opportunities, particularly from the tourism sector, and gain access to a global platform used by millions of riders worldwide.
Drivers will also have access to more than 30 in-app safety features and 24-hour support. “Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” Romero said, explaining that the app allows riders to share trip details with trusted contacts, verify drivers via a PIN system, and rely on continuous monitoring before, during and after each trip.
Uber noted that its taxi option has already seen success in other destinations. In the Dominican Republic, the service has facilitated more than 115 000 trips since 2022, while in France over 3 000 taxis now use the platform. Similar options are also available in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and London, where traditional black cabs operate through the app.
To cater to the tourism market, the Barbados service includes features such as Uber Reserve, which allows users to schedule trips up to 90 days in advance, and Uber Hourly, which enables passengers to book a driver by the hour and make multiple stops. Barbados is the first Caribbean country where Uber Hourly has been introduced.
“Tourism and mobility move together,” Romero said. “As visitors explore Barbados, we want them to do so with confidence, knowing they have access to the same trusted safety standards that Uber offers around the world. Our goal is to support the island’s tourism by connecting people safely and reliably, while creating new earning opportunities for licensed taxi drivers who are essential to the local experience.”
The onboarding process for local taxi drivers is being managed by an on-island partner responsible for verifying permits, licences and insurance documents. Earnings from completed trips will be deposited directly into drivers’ registered bank accounts.
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