As a result of the recent gasoline crisis in Sri Lanka, several delivery services have converted from motorbikes to bicycles.
Uber, the world’s most popular cab hailing app, unveiled its first-ever Sri Lanka Economic Impact Report on Monday at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo. According to the report, Uber contributed Rs. 81 billion to the Sri Lankan economy in 2021, while Uber and Uber Eats generated Rs. 52 billion in consumer surplus. Increased flexibility for drivers and delivery partners valued at Rs. 1.2 billion.
Bhavna Dadlani Jayawardene, General Manager of Uber Eats Sri Lanka, announced during the occasion that in September, Uber Eats performed 24 million deliveries and over 100,000 deliveries using bicycles owing to a gasoline scarcity. “During the peak gasoline crisis, transportation became a concern,” she explained. Customers were unable to receive their orders since delivery partners were unable to drive. At this time, we introduced bicycle deliveries, which opened up an entirely new stream of supply while also allowing delivery partners to earn a living. This encouraged people to deliver full-time or part-time for Uber Eats in order to supplement their income without having to worry about gasoline costs.”
“In September of this year, Uber Eats conducted 24 million deliveries, including over 100,000 bicycle deliveries, so that in some weeks, nearly 30% of deliveries were made by bicycle.” We have positively impacted so many lives since launching Uber Eats in 2018, and we will continue to unlock more value for the Sri Lankan economy and people,” she added.
She also said that Uber Eats is now available in five cities. “We’re always looking to relocate to the suburbs.” During the pandemic, not just food but also essentials were brought to people’s houses.”
The Sri Lankan Economic Impact Report, compiled by Public First, a UK-based policy research organisation, also revealed that 92% of riders use Uber for convenience, saving 3.7 million hours each year. Approximately 96% of female riders think safety is a significant element in their decision to use Uber.
