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Europe’s shared mobility market is growing 20% annually, to reach €200 billion by 2030 – Uber and co. want it all

Europe’s shared mobility market is growing 20% annually, to reach €200 billion by 2030 – Uber and co. want it all

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How will legacy operators fight back?

If you operate a taxi business or association today, this is what the likes of Uber and other ride-hailing giants don’t want you to know: the combined taxi and ride-hailing sectors are growing 20% every single year. And, by 2030, Europe’s shared mobility market is projected to generate €200 billion in annual revenues.

But, while legacy operators are dreaming of market share and margins of yesteryear, ride-hailing giants are growing faster than you think.

These Trojan Horses are silently sneaking into cities across Europe – luring drivers and taxi operators with promises of ‘low commissions’ and ‘platform partnerships’.

But what they are really doing is robbing legacy operators of everything they have worked so hard to build.

Traditionally, the shared mobility market has been anchored by taxi businesses and associations-regulated, for-hire chauffeured vehicles available through curbside hail, pre-booking, or dispatch. These businesses were and remain the backbone of this sector. If you run one of these operations today, do not make the mistake of believing you are the underdog. Because this is not a David vs Goliath story – not quite.

Sure, many of these large ride-hailing platforms can draw on billions in investor funding, but legacy operators still make up about half of Europe’s shared mobility sector. And, more importantly, you have something that these new rivals don’t. Legacy operators have built fleets of loyal and trustworthy drivers – something platforms need to spend big on to try and win over.

You also have deeply ingrained brand recognition, in some cases built over decades if not even generations. And most of you operate in regulatory environments that were designed around you and your needs.

The Ubers of this world on the other hand? They will do whatever it takes to steal your driver supply. They will weaponise their sleek apps to dazzle riders too. They will deploy sweeping, glitzy marketing and social media campaigns. They will even engage in product placement with streaming services like Netflix, targeting the GenZ and GenAlpha riders and drivers of tomorrow.

All the while, they will bully regulators into redesigning policy frameworks to work for them, and – if possible – against you.

These platforms don’t want a slice – they’re after the whole pie.

Embracing the future

Every year, ride-hailing’s share of the European mobility market grows. And, although traditional operators still have an edge, their life expectancy will hinge on their willingness to adapt to new realities. The past is over. The mobility market of the early 2010s cannot be recreated.

Today, more than ever before, it has become essential for taxi operators to embrace emerging technology. Younger generations expect seamless, user-friendly, app-based experiences. They expect this and just won’t settle for less.

Meanwhile, as car ownership declines and urbanisation continues to rise, the demand for efficient shared mobility solutions will only continue to grow.

Countries are also looking inward for innovation, particularly as the trend of hyper-globalisation has hit the brakes. This, again, presents a significant opportunity for homegrown disruption, allowing local operators to innovate and adapt to meet the specific needs of their communities.

A lot is changing. The opportunity to go after this €200 billion market is wide open.

It’s time for legacy operators to fight fire with fire – to become the innovators leading the future of shared mobility. But to do this, they need to invest in the future – in cutting-edge technology, operational horsepower, and industry-leading talent. You can do all this while still holding on to your brand, your autonomy, and without having to hand over the steering wheel.

The industry is growing. Are you?

By Matthew Bezzina, eCabs Technologies’ CEO

eCabs joins EU-wide Taxis 4 Smart Mobility coalition

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Pictured: eCabs Technologies’ CEO, Matthew Bezzina (left), and Director of Marketing, Erik Polus.

The group is the leading voice for a sustainable European taxi industry

eCabs Malta has announced it has become a member of the Taxis 4 Smart Mobility coalition, a network of innovative and socially responsible taxi organisations.

T4SM represents the European taxi industry, advocating for sustainable, smart mobility solutions while ensuring local and national regulations reflect the unique needs of communities—whether in small villages or large cities. With members from Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, the coalition brings thorough insight into the continent’s taxi sector.

eCabs Founder Matthew Bezzina said he was excited to join a group that is made up of some of the leading operators in Europe to lobby for a more sustainable industry.   

“Joining Taxis 4 Smart Mobility is a natural next step for eCabs, aligning perfectly with our vision for a future where mobility is seamless, sustainable, and technology-driven,” Bezzina said.

“We are committed to playing our part in fostering a smart mobility ecosystem that not only meets the needs of riders and drivers but also contributes positively to the environment and communities in which we operate. That’s because we truly believe that this industry can be a major part of the solution,” he added. 

Coalition Chairperson Gregor Beiner said eCabs was a welcome addition to the Taxis 4 Smart Mobility group. 

“eCabs Malta brings another important and dynamic perspective to the coalition with its innovative approach to smart mobility and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. We are delighted that they are joining T4SM. We will continue to work together on a sustainable and stable mobility offer for Europe and have gained another important partner in eCabs Malta,” Beiner said.

Bezzina and eCabs Director of Marketing, Erik Polus, will attend the coalition’s upcoming meeting in November, shortly after the European Commission hearings are held in Brussels.

This meeting will discuss how the taxi sector can further contribute to the European Green Deal and the ambitious targets set for reducing carbon emissions by 2030.

The Taxis 4 Smart Mobility coalition’s mission is to ensure that the taxi industry leads by example in sustainable urban transport, contributing to the reduction of emissions and traffic congestion, and enhancing accessibility for all.

Through lobbying efforts and collaboration with policymakers, the coalition pushes for more supportive regulatory frameworks and investment in technologies that can transform the industry.

The eCabs announcement comes after Bezzina was among the international speakers at Europe’s leading taxi and transport conference earlier this year.

The European Radio Taxi Association conference brings together prominent figures from the taxi and transport industry across Europe, providing a platform for sharing insights, discussing challenges, and exploring the future of urban mobility.

Speaking during the ERTA conference, held in Düzce, Turkey, Bezzina recalled the eCabs journey over the years.

As a bootstrapped start-up successfully competing with global brands across several EU markets, eCabs has transitioned from a small traditional taxi operator to an app developer empowering fellow operators across Europe to successfully compete against global ride-hailing brands like Bolt and Uber. 

eCabs Technologies, the tech arm of the group, is responsible for developing the proprietary technology that powers the eCabs platform in Malta as well as other ride-hailing operations across Europe. 

New ride-hailing ventures in Bucharest, Romania, and Athens, Greece were launched earlier this year, with projects in other jurisdictions set to launch in the coming months. 

Meanwhile, with his extensive background in marketing and growth, having previously been engaged at Beat (part of FreeNow), Erik Polus said eCabs Technologies is on a mission to empower the taxi industry to successfully compete in the digital age.

“eCabs Technologies has a scalable and competitive ride-hailing tech offering, including rider and driver apps, and a suite of tools for operators, fleet owners, and company managers,” he said.

“We can safely say our solution is proven to be scalable and competitive as we use our tech stack every day to run our business in Malta, a business which includes one of the largest owned and operated fleets in the country, as well as thousands of partner drivers, and a 24/7 call and booking centre.”

“We have built the tools and developed the industry knowledge to partner with businesses that are seeking to not only survive but to thrive against ride-hailing giants,” he said. 

In the Press: Times of Malta | Malta Today | The Malta Independent

 

To sell or not to sell – that is the question

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 eCabs Technologies’ commitment to a solution-oriented sales approach has been one of the driving forces behind its success. 

eCabs Technologies: A product-oriented approach to success

The ride-hailing industry is a crowded space, filled with giants vying for your attention.

At eCabs Technologies , we understand that simply offering another product isn’t enough.

We are not just here to sell you software. We’re here to work with you, and provide you with our market-leading solution born from our cutting-edge ‘mobility laboratory‘.

But what truly sets us apart?

We don’t just sell, we partner. Instead of bombarding you with generic sales pitches, we take a solution-oriented approach.

This means we dive deep into your specific needs and challenges.

We become an extension of your team, understanding your business from the inside out.

Embracing a solution-oriented mindset

Our cutting-edge mobility laboratory isn’t just a fancy term. It’s a hub of innovation where we continuously refine and perfect our platform to stay ahead of the curve.

This ensures that when you partner with eCabs Technologies, you’re not just getting a solution. You’re getting a platform built for the future, playbooks on how to operate your business, alongside our 14 years of operational experience.

We’re perfectly attuned to the dynamic needs of the ride-hailing market.

But here’s the best part: we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We have designed our platform to be customisable, allowing us to seamlessly adapt it to your unique business goals and challenges.

Your success is our success. And we’re committed to providing you with the tools and support you need to thrive in the ever-evolving ride-hailing landscape.

Beyond structured meetings: building genuine connections 

We understand that building genuine relationships goes beyond formal sales meetings. 

We actively seek out opportunities to engage with potential clients in informal settings, fostering a sense of connection and trust. 

While we are based in Malta, which has become a proven testbed for mobility products, our city partners are based in mainland Europe.

For us this means that we’re constantly educating, advocating and championing mobility through digital channels.

Nurturing genuine relationships, through channels such as LinkedIn, is critical in ensuring that we can continuously share our findings and learnings in the mobility industry and guide potential city partners to the right solution.

Delving into the client’s world 

eCabs Technologies goes beyond superficial understanding; we strive to gain a deep appreciation of our partners’ businesses. 

Proper exploration, and applying the appropriate framework is imperative, to ensure that we can accurately map out your requirements and align them to our solutions.

Additionally, studying our partners’ operations, understanding their unique context, and being able empathise with the challenges they face. 

By becoming intimately acquainted with our City Partners’ business through on-site visits, we can tailor solutions that are truly aligned with their goals and objectives. 

The power of knowledge transfer 

We recognise the value of education and knowledge sharing in building trust and establishing credibility. 

We actively educate potential clients about the ride-hailing industry, highlighting industry trends, best practices, and the latest technology advancements.

When we launch in a city, we share a refined launch ‘Playbook’ with our City Partners, to ensure a successful launch from the get-go.

Our knowledge transfer goes beyond the ride-hailing platform and the operations.

The eCabs Technologies Expansion Team will guide you weekly on the industry fundamentals, and emerging trends, and take on product feedback. In the background, we continue iterating on our products to ensure that our partners can stay ahead of the curve in any city that they choose to operate in.

This comes from our over 14 years of experience, from operations through to software development.

By equipping you with the knowledge and insights to make industry-informed business decisions, we go beyond offering software.

eCabs Technologies, as your partner in innovation, leverages our cutting-edge ‘mobility laboratory’ to tailor solutions that empower your success.

We believe in your journey to success, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

The proof of our expertise 

eCabs Technologies’ success is not just talk. It is backed by our partners and case studies. These demonstrate the tangible impact of our software platform on client businesses. 

From enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction to driving profitability and expanding market reach, the features within eCabs’ ride-hailing solution have proven their value across a diverse range of industries and clients – enabling a ride-hailing operator to take on more than just dial-a-cab bookings.

In addition to our commitment to your success with eCabs, our ride-hailing solution is a scalable and adaptable platform without upfront software costs.

Case study: eCabs Technologies and Malta’s taxi industry 

In Malta, eCabs has played a pivotal role in transforming the taxi industry since 2010. 

By understanding the specific needs of local taxi drivers and operators, and taking on national stakeholder feedback, it developed a software platform that streamlined operations, enhanced customer satisfaction, and boosted profitability across the board. 

This success has earned eCabs Technologies a reputation as a trusted partner in Malta’s ride-hailing landscape. 

Our solution-oriented approach has proven to be a winning formula. Enabling our City Partners to build strong partnerships within their local communities and the European Union.

By prioritising understanding, knowledge transfer, and genuine connection, eCabs Technologies has established itself as a trusted advisor and a true solutions provider for the ride-hailing industry. 

Together, let’s not only shape the future of ride-hailing but also a sustainable future. eCabs Technologies is here to walk the talk and partner with you on your journey forward. 

Tech IRL

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Tech gets a lot of hate.

Whether it’s machines or machine learning, we tend to hold technology to impossibly high standards, expecting perfection at every turn. Mistakes made by people are often forgiven, but tech errors? They frustrate us deeply. I understand this firsthand—there’s nothing better than ride-hailing tech that works flawlessly, and few things more irritating than when it doesn’t.

At eCabs Technologies, we acknowledge this reality. That’s why our engineers work hard every day to bridge the gap between technology and the real world. Innovation isn’t just about creating cutting-edge solutions; it’s about ensuring those solutions integrate seamlessly into people’s lives. We believe technology should empower communities, not alienate them.

Sadly, many tech companies have fallen short. Disconnected from the communities they serve, they’ve faced criticism for their lack of diversity and the biases embedded in their systems. Predominantly white, male workforces often fail to account for the varied experiences of the people their products are meant to serve. This gap between intention and execution has led to mistrust in tech.

The impact of this disconnection is far-reaching. Consider facial recognition systems with racial biases, location algorithms that neglect low-income areas, or service options limited to binary gender categories. These issues are not minor inconveniences—they exclude and marginalise people, making them feel unseen, unwelcome, or even discriminated against. When technology fails to reflect the diversity of its users, it fails its mission.

 

Real people interacting with real people

At eCabs, we do things differently. We’re not just about people interacting with technology—we’re about real people connecting with real people. Our technology is only one piece of a much broader relationship that includes drivers, riders, and urban communities. Our role is to nurture and manage this relationship, ensuring it works for everyone.

Take drivers, for example. To our customers, they are the human face of a business that otherwise exists primarily through a digital interface. That’s why we’ve built a dedicated team of developers to create technology that truly supports drivers. From ensuring our payment systems are stable and reliable—because we know how critical that income is—to designing tools that make their jobs easier, we’re committed to their success.

Our commitment doesn’t end there. We regularly engage with our partner drivers to understand their day-to-day experiences. We ask questions like, “How much information is too much for someone who needs to keep their eyes on the road?” These conversations guide us in refining our technology, ensuring it meets the real-world needs of those who depend on it most.

 

Part of the solution

eCabs also actively engages with the communities we operate in. Whether we’re working with local leaders to green urban spaces or collaborating with national regulators to improve traffic flow, we’re committed to being part of the solution.

When we say we’re part of the solution, we mean it. We’re constantly looking for better ways to connect drivers and riders with the urban areas they navigate. By optimizing routes and enhancing journey experiences, we aim to improve the lives of everyone using our service—drivers and riders alike.

Because at eCabs Technologies, we know our technology doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It operates in the real world, and it’s our responsibility to ensure it serves the real people who rely on it every day.

By Matthew Bezzina, eCabs Technologies CEO