Uber, the global ride-hailing giant, has officially introduced its services in Barbados, marking a significant milestone in the Caribbean region. The launch event, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort, highlighted Uber’s commitment to modernizing transportation while positioning itself as a collaborator rather than a competitor to the local taxi industry. Over 400 licensed taxi operators have already joined the Uber Taxi platform, which is exclusively designed for registered taxi drivers. Belén Romero, Uber’s Regional General Manager for the Andean, Central America, and Caribbean region, emphasized the company’s goal to address a critical gap in Barbados’ transport market. Romero expressed enthusiasm about supporting tourism and providing a seamless experience for Uber’s 1.9 million global users, many of whom travel internationally. She also underscored the benefits for local drivers, including enhanced earning opportunities, access to innovative technology, and improved safety features. Romero welcomed competition from local taxi associations planning to develop their own ride-hailing apps, stating that it fosters innovation and improves user experiences. Additionally, Uber is collaborating with the Barbados Police Service to strengthen safety protocols, leveraging its global team of experts and over 30 safety features to ensure passenger and driver security. The Uber Taxi product in Barbados offers drivers flexibility, access to a global user base of 149 million, and advanced safety tools. Alongside its core ride-hailing service, Uber has introduced Uber Hourly for time-based bookings, ideal for island tours, and Uber Reserve, allowing trips to be scheduled up to 90 days in advance. The launch has sparked discussions within the transport sector, with traditional taxi operators advocating for fair regulations and a level playing field.