Cezanne Maherali

Director, Public Policy Middle East and Africa, Uber

HOW ARE YOU CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE REGION?

Addressing environmental concerns is one of Uber’s fundamental objectives. Over the last decade we’ve already made progress against this goal through a number of product and technological innovations. In 2020, Uber globally committed to becoming a zero-emission platform by 2040. That commitment translates into several specific offerings in our business.

On the mobility side, we’re working to make low- and no-emission mobility accessible for more riders at the tap of a button with Uber Green. Each Uber Green trip in a hybrid or electric vehicle emits at least 25% less carbon emissions compared to the average Uber ride. Uber Green is already available in 100 major urban markets across 3 continents. In the MENA region, it is available in UAE and Jordan. It is the most widely available on-demand mobility solution in the world and we are committed to expanding this option globally.

Though our core efforts are in Europe and North America, we are not restricted to these geographies. Sustainability has become critical to all countries and a set goal we would like to contribute to. We started adding EV’s to our platform in Jordan in 2018, the first market in MEA to have EVs and among the first globally. We later created a specific option on the app to encourage riders to choose EVs while requesting a trip. The Amman launch allowed us to understand how to unlock more electric, shared mobility in the world, and was one of the biggest green contributors globally.

In the UAE, we have set a target of 1 in 4 trips requested via the Uber app to be emission-free by 2030. Apart from this, EV kilometers on Uber Green in Dubai doubled from 2% to 5% in 2021, as compared to 3.4% in Paris, 4.78% in Amsterdam, and 7.5% in London. In line with the RTA goals to transform 90% of limos in Dubai to clean vehicles by 2026, Uber’s Green product will encourage riders to choose more sustainable ways to travel.

In Egypt in 2021, the Ministry of the Public

Business Sector imported the first 13 EVs into Egypt, and partnered with us to test them for market suitability. 9 EVs were trialed by drivers on the Uber platform, for a distance of up to 30,000kms per car over a period of three to four months as the country bids to create a sustainable transport system and reduce fuel emission levels. We are the first and only ridesharing company supporting this huge initiative - partnering with the government for a better, greener future.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE?

There is a spectrum of challenges that players at different levels, and across different sectors can help overcome. One of the main challenges is accelerating the transition to EVs. Drivers consistently tell us that having reliable, accessible charging stations is a key factor when deciding if they should switch to electric. We need the right policies, legal framework & initiatives on charging infrastructure. This would make the transition to EVs easier and more affordable for drivers, such as bringing down the costs of EVs with subsidies and strategic charging deployment across the city.

In parallel, we want to encourage more people to use different modes of transport and reduce over-dependence on private cars - which is another challenge. Therefore, we need to make public transit more accessible and easier to use while reducing private car ownership. For this, we first need cities to set a vision and expectations for the tech & travel ecosystem - envision the role each mode plays, including public transit like metro, local buses, trams, private cars, and future modes such as driverless transit. The public and private sector can then come together to reimagine the travel experience and work closely to integrate transportation systems through partnerships.

HOW ARE YOU OVERCOMING SAID CHALLENGES?

Replacing private cars with better access to

In Saudi Arabia our partnership with Saudi Rail is a milestone in this journey as we work to adapt global tech to local needs and extend the reach of mass transportation. As part of the partnership, we have created dedicated pick-up and drop-off points at SAR stations, working with existing city infrastructure to improve mobility and streamline travel for commuters while reducing on-road congestion” shared, electric mobility built around public transport is our key priority. So with both drivers and cities in mind, we are making a series of ambitious, inclusive commitments to help with lesser pollution, and cleaner, healthier, more liveable cities. We have globally invested US$800m in resources to help achieve these goals in the next 5 years, and ultimately transition to clean energy in partnership with drivers, industry innovators, and governments.

In Saudi Arabia our partnership with Saudi Rail is a milestone in this journey as we work to adapt global tech to local needs and extend the reach of mass transportation. As part of the partnership, we have created dedicated pick-up and drop-off points at SAR stations, working with existing city infrastructure to improve mobility and streamline travel for commuters while reducing on-road congestion. This is a promising way to enable a shift away from personally-owned modes of transportation. This also helps reduce unnecessary long parking at train stations, and allows for parking space to be transformed into places for community use like schools or parks. We’ve seen the benefits of it in New Jersey.

We are also working with manufacturers, and we have announced a number of industry-first partnerships to make it easier and more affordable for drivers to switch to zero emission vehicles. Separately, we’re connecting with industry and government stakeholders at important regional events to forefront sustainability and find ways to leverage collective strengths.

As innovators best known for helping you tap a button and get a ride, we want to next become known for helping you go from A to B in a way that does right by the planet.