Uber commissioned Public First to produce a new report of the impact of Uber in the UK as an update to its first report published in 2021. Since then, Uber has grown significantly, connecting over 100,000 drivers with 5 million active riders. The report focuses not only on the economic importance of Uber to the UK, but also reveals Uber’s impact on sustainable travel choices and on safety. 

Key findings

• Economic Impacts: It is estimated that Uber unlocked £5bn in economic value for the UK economy in 2022, while every million trips in a city supports over £18m for the local economy.

• Time saved for users: Uber saves an estimated 2 billion minutes per year in total. 89% of riders say that convenience is an important factor in their choice to use Uber, while 70% say it is the quickest way to reach their destination.

• Impacts on sustainable choices: 70% of users say Uber reduces their need to drive. Two-thirds say they had used it to connect with public transport.

• Safety and supporting the night-time economy: 66% of riders say that having an option like Uber makes them more confident staying out late, while 67% say it makes it easier to get to bars and restaurants. One user told us that: ‘when I am out late…it gives me comfort in knowing there is a way back’.

Methodology 

For this research, Public First polled 1,011 UK adults between 3 – 4 May 2023. Download the full Methodology Note here.