The Bedford Independent reported that ‘Local Cab’, which has already been piloted in three UK cities, will enable passengers in the town to book a trip with a local taxi company via the Uber app.

Anyone opening the Uber app in Bedford will see the Local Cab option which will connect passengers to taxi firm Key Cars.

Users will have to download the latest version of the app to be able to see the Local Cab product.

The decision to select Bedford for the Local Cab trial was based on the number of times the Uber app is opened in the town. Uber data shows that the app is accessed almost 10,000 times per month in Bedford, despite passengers not previously being able to book a ride via the Uber app.

Amna Sadiqa at Bedford’s Key Cars, said: “We’re delighted to be one of the first operators in the UK to pilot Local Cab.

“For anyone in Bedford who already uses the Uber app, it is now easy to book a ride with us. With the boost in passengers, we will also be looking to welcome new drivers to the company.”

Ash Kebriti, UK General Manager, Uber, said: “Every month, we see thousands of people in towns and cities across the UK where we currently don’t operate open the Uber app and try to request a trip.

“Launching this pilot of Local Cab in Bedford is an exciting first step in connecting these riders with local operators so that eventually the Uber app can be used anywhere in the country.”