What’s it like to work for Uber? Hong Kong drivers tell the human story behind the ride-sharing app
It’s not just about the money – working for the multinational start-up hated by taxi drivers allows Hongkongers flexible hours and the chance to meet new people and make new friends
William Wong Ka-lok runs a business supplying takeaway ingredients for hot pots. He manages the operation from home in Sha Tin, with the food prepared at a premises in Kwai Chung. Six months ago, he started working as an Uber driver on the side.
Wong, 38, appreciates the flexibility of his part-time work and the extra HK$17,000 that it brings in each month.
“I used to be a bus driver, and could not take time off during festivals such as Lunar New Year. But I don’t have to sacrifice family time during festivals working for Uber. I can join my friends’ gatherings whenever I want to,” he says. “On the days that I’m free for driving, I just switch on the app.”
He also enjoys the fortuitous encounters from ferrying people in his MPV, a Mazda 8, a few of whom have become regulars.
“Some women have become friends, who share their romantic troubles with me on the rides.”
Uber pitched itself as a luxury ride-hailing platform when it launched in Hong Kong two years ago with its Black service. In December, the company introduced its lower cost UberX service aimed at a mass market, which has boosted its stable of drivers although it will not reveal any numbers.