While Uber launched its service in Japan to address the shortage of taxi drivers, several other platforms have announced their decision to shut down in certain countries since the beginning of 2024.
Ola, one of Uber's biggest competitors, has shut down its operations in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand as the startup focuses on its home market of India and a project to invest in electrifying its fleet.
Just Eat Takeaway.com has also decided to discontinue all operations in New Zealand to "drive efficiencies and focus on building strong and sustainably profitable positions," while Stuart will cease deliveries in most cities in Spain because “the market is no longer strategic" due to inflation and restrictions imposed by the Rider Law.
Getir's withdrawal from the Netherlands, UK, and Germany is further evidence of the instability of the rapid grocery delivery sector amid high inflation, rising wages, and the need to cut costs.
Finally, Glovo riders have expressed grave concerns about their future following the company's announcement that it will leave Ghana. Taxes, inflation, and increases in the cost of doing business have all contributed.
At the beginning of May, Glovo also left Slovenia, and is now struggling at home: its owner, Delivery Hero, is wary of the possibility of further fines against the food delivery company in Spain.