Uber to expand into Doncaster after buying up its biggest UK rival cab firm

The firm is buying its rival Autocab, which operates a ride-booking app for independent minicab companies throughout the country.

It said the takeover would let it connect people with mini-cab firms in cities where Uber itself does not have drivers, including Doncaster.

Uber is currently available in 40 towns and cities in the UK.

Autocab is currently used by about half of the private hire and taxi market in the UK.

Following the deal, Uber expects to be available in about 170 towns and cities including Doncaster, where Uber says "tens of thousands" of people try to use its app every month.

Passengers using the Uber app in a UK town where there are no Uber drivers will be able to seamlessly book a private hire car instead.

"Through Autocab's iGo marketplace, Uber will be able to connect these riders with local operators who choose to take their booking," the company said in a blog post.

"In turn, operators should be able to expand their operations and offer more earnings opportunities to local drivers."

Uber’s Jamie Heywood said: “Autocab has worked successfully with taxi and private hire operators around the world for more than 30 years and Uber has a lot to learn from their experience.

“We look forward to working with the Autocab team to help local operators grow and provide drivers with genuine earnings opportunities.”