Darlington locals flooded the Northern Echo's Facebook page with their reactions after Uber announced its intention to apply for a license to operate in the region.
It comes after Darlington Borough Council warned last year that the number of taxi drivers in Darlington has declined by about 30 per cent since the pandemic, as fewer drivers struggle to service demand.
Reaction was mixed with several comments on either side of the argument for the online taxi firm.
Susan Jaleel said: "Two weeks ago, I booked a Uber taxi to go to Blacketts Medical Practice.
"The service was first class in every way."
Meanwhile, Christina Bell highlighted an instance where all the taxi companies were busy in the early morning, she said: "Yes!! I had to attend hospital as advised by 111, it wasn’t ambulance worthy but they also said I shouldn’t drive myself.
"It was 6:30 am and all taxi companies I called were busy with school runs."
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There were, however, concerns about Uber's arrival impacting local taxi firms.
Anne-Marie Gig said "If they are charging as little as people suggest then they will wipe out the current taxi firms, probably leaving a poor service."
Shaun Pattison echoed this sentiment, warning locals to "wait until Uber had a surge and charges up to £10 a mile!
"You will reject killing the local firms then."
While some residents favoured Uber for its competitive pricing and availability, others stressed the need to support local businesses.
Maureen Jarrett said she would "try to support locals but would use a Uber if I was stranded."
Similarly, Simon Hymer urged: "Try to support your local firm not this American firm."
Stuart Mawson and several others saw the potential arrival of Uber as a chance for creating a competitive environment, pushing the existing taxi firms to do better.
The overall impression from the comments points to a mixed reaction with residents indicating how they would consider using an Uber whilst stressing the necessity to support local taxi firms.
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