Uber coming to Edinburgh

The controversial app will launch at 4pm on Friday

Uber's rapid growth has led to a multitude of teething problems. File photo

Taxi-hailing app Uber is launching in Edinburgh on Friday after the app proved successful with customers in Glasgow.

Over 65,000 have opened the app in Edinburgh in the last six months alone proving there is “huge demand” for the service, according to Uber.

The controversial app, which will launch at 4pm on Friday, allows customers to hire a cab through a mobile app by matching them with the nearest car available.

In London, around 1,500 cabs blocked roads in September, in a protest against Uber drivers and their e-hailing system in September. But in Scotland Les McVay company secretary of City Cab – the Capital’s oldest taxi company – told the Scotsman he “welcomed” the competition.

“That’s business. It’s what the public want and the public have a choice. It keeps us on our toes, and keeps our drivers on their toes.

“It doesn’t worry us. I was here to experience the competition from the private-hire side.” Mr McVay told the newspaper.

The company moved to Scotland with the launch of its app in Glasgow in October this year. Uber got a license to run a booking office from George Street, required by law for licensed taxi or private hire companies

“We have been blown away with the reception we received in Glasgow, so are really excited to be launching in Edinburgh today. Thousands of Scots have embraced Uber over the last few weeks and we hope to continue this success in the Scottish capital,” said Max Lines, Uber’s general manager for UK expansion.

The company has plans to expand the service to Aberdeen and other Scottish towns and cities.

Last month a High Court judge in London ruled that the taxi-hiring app was legal.