A few weeks ago, we received an email from a man living here on island who said he wanted to bring Uber to the Virgin Islands. For those of you unfamiliar with Uber, it’s a car service in which users download an app on their smartphones. When someone needs a ride, the app locates their exact location (via the phone’s GPS) and then sends the user information on the following: the Uber driver that’s the closest to their location, what time that Uber drive can pick them up, the type of car the Uber driver is in and, of course, the cost of the ride. On the other end, anyone can register to be an approved Uber driver.
So for example, you’re in Cruz Bay and you want to visit Hanson Bay out on the East End. This is a route not typically driven by taxi drivers. You pull out your smartphone and request a ride via Uber. Within minutes, you will get a response with information about your Uber ride. Pretty neat, right?
So we’re curious? What do you think about the possibility of having Uber here on island? Let us know in the Comments section and please answer our poll below.
I happen to be a driver for Uber in NC. I’ve been visiting St John for 18 years. I think that using Uber the way it’s used normally will be very hard to do in St John. The time it takes to get from one place to another would be very spread out and costly but after saying that it might be nice to figure a way to work it out.
I love this idea but there’s just one small problem…. The cell service on the island is so spotty (at least for Verizon). I think cell service would need to be addressed before this could ever be profitable!
We’ve got great AT&T cell service, and reasonable coverage from Sprint. Verizon doesn’t offer service here, so using a Verizon plan on St John is expensive and difficult.
I might be wrong, but aside from the more remote routes like the one mentioned, I can’t see taxi drivers being too happy about it.
Ain’t gonna happen. You don’t remember the fights against water taxis and the attempt to prevent rental cars from getting on the ferries in Red Hook? Car Rental companies, Taxi Drivers and their shills in government will absolutely prevent Uber from ever coming to the V.I. without a full frontal lawsuit by Uber.
Sounds good, but I agree with the fact that spotty cell service would be an issue. Plus, last I checked, traditional hitch hiking was still in frequent practice on STJ…no app needed
The taxi business employs a lot of the locals. I’ve made many trips to St. John and would hate to see something like this take away from their livelihood. I don’t want to see this part of the hustle and bustle of the big cities come to St. John. Keep it local.
Don’t think St. John is a smart market for Uber, maybe a ride sharing service like Lyft would work but, in my experiences, ppl on St. John are typically so considerate that finding a ride when you really need one is pretty easy, unless you’re out very late. Uber would fly on St. Thomas if it’s not already. A small fleet of Leafs on St. John would be awesome, range is perfect for a full, busy day of fares.