Global ride-hailing giant Uber has moved to reassure taxi drivers amid mounting claims that it is undercutting livelihoods, extracting foreign exchange, and reshaping the island’s transport economy.

In a statement to Barbados TODAY, Uber emphasised that the platform is designed to complement, rather than displace, the existing local industry by partnering strictly with traditional, licensed professionals.

“Since the app was made available in Barbados, Uber’s focus has been to work with licensed local taxi drivers to bring technology to the transportation sector in a way that supports residents, visitors, and the broader tourism economy,” the company said.