Connect with us

Technology

Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability Set the Record Straight for Shareholders and Remind Shareholders to Vote for Much Needed Change to Board of Directors

Published

on

The Incumbents desperately want your vote now, but you should consider that they set up an entirely virtual meeting to thwart verbal questions from shareholders and to avoid accountability at the AGSMThe Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability are shareholders – just like you! – and like you, want accountability and resultsThe Incumbents now want you to believe you only have two options: (1) re-elect us OR ELSE (2) cause an event of default under Voxtur’s credit agreements and potentially expose the shareholders to having to pay Gary Yeoman an exorbitant sum under his employment agreement –the shareholders should never have been put into this situationWe have serious concerns about the poor judgement, and potential conflicts of interest and potential breaches of the duty of care displayed by the Incumbents who negotiated these agreements – they do not reflect putting the best interest of the shareholders firstThe Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability urge all shareholders to vote for its highly qualified Board nominees

PLYMOUTH, Minn., June 24, 2024 /CNW/ – A group of shareholders (the “Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) of Voxtur Analytics Corp. (TSXV: VXTR) (OTCQB: VXTRF) (“Voxtur” or the “Company”), wishes to set the record straight for Voxtur shareholders regarding the recent statements made by Voxtur’s entrenched board of directors and certain members of the management team (the “Incumbents”), and reaffirm our support for our six highly qualified nominees (the “Shareholder Nominees”) to be elected to the board of directors (the “Board”) at Voxtur’s Annual General and Special Meeting (the “AGSM”) scheduled to be held virtually at https://virtualmeetings.tsxtrust.com/en/1654 (password: voxtur2024) on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time).

Having now engaged Laurel Hill Advisory Group to support their campaign against accountability – all at additional unnecessary and undisclosed cost to be borne by Voxtur shareholders – the Incumbents make numerous serious and false statements targeted at the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability and our objectives. We feel it is necessary to provide a detailed response so that all Voxtur shareholders can make an informed voting decision.

Voxtur’s Claim: The Shareholder Nominees’ Interests are not Aligned with Other Shareholders

TRUTH: The Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability are led by RPC Ventures Fund 1, LP (“RPC”), and have received support from additional Voxtur shareholders, who together with RPC hold in the aggregate approximately 19.3% of the total issued and outstanding common shares of Voxtur (the “Voxtur Shares”).1 To be clear, this is not a “take-over” as the Incumbents have alleged. Rather, maximization of shareholder value is our sole objective and we have no ulterior motives or any other purpose. We are not secured creditors of the Company, or creditors of any sort, and we have no practical ability or intention, or incentive to push Voxtur into insolvency in order to acquire the assets of Voxtur at a significant discount as the Incumbents have cynically claimed – given that insolvency would mean, by definition, that our interest and our supporters’ interests would be worthless. Aside from Voxtur’s Chair and Interim CEO, Gary Yeoman, no current member of Voxtur management nor any of their proposed board nominees holds a meaningful number of Voxtur Shares. Yet, the Incumbents hypocritically insist that our interests are not aligned with the interests of other shareholders. It is obvious that the Incumbents’ interests are not aligned with Voxtur shareholders.

__________________

1

As at May 17, 20024 (the record date for the AGSM), Voxtur reports that it had 721,276,024 Voxtur Shares issued and outstanding.

 

Voxtur’s Claim: There are Concerns that the Shareholder Nominees have Acted Improperly

TRUTH: The Incumbents have commented that the Shareholder Nominees may be acting “jointly or in concert”, without any supporting facts or explanation. Instead of constructively engaging with the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability, the Incumbents are now attempting to paint the Shareholder Nominees as “joint actors” in what we believe is a bad faith effort to frustrate our ability to exercise one of the most fundamental rights we hold as Voxtur shareholders: the right to elect the directors of Voxtur. And, most importantly, we do not believe management’s slate of proposed directors has the necessary experience or track record to accomplish what is needed by Voxtur at this time.

To be clear, none of the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability nor any of the Shareholder Nominees have, in any way, used any material non-public information or insider information regarding the Company, nor have they acted jointly or in concert in any manner contrary to securities laws.  Accordingly, Voxtur’s allegations in this regard are nothing more than misplaced fear mongering.

Voxtur’s Claim: The Election of the Shareholder Nominees May Trigger an Event of Default

TRUTH: The Incumbents have made vague assertions that a vote for the Shareholder Nominees risks triggering an event of default under “certain covenants in the Company’s credit agreements”. We welcome the opportunity to review and consider the credit agreements. It goes without saying that the Shareholder Nominees will work proactively with BMO with respect to credit agreement matters. However, in an intolerable failure to comply with good corporate governance practices and applicable Canadian securities laws, Voxtur either refuses or in any case has failed to publicly file such material agreements on SEDAR+. We have demanded that Voxtur’s management immediately publicly file the credit agreements so that all Voxtur shareholders have an opportunity to consider the Incumbents’ alarmist comments and we reiterate that demand in this press release.

We have serious concerns about the judgment of a board of directors and management team that would agree to “change of control” covenants in Voxtur’s credit agreements that effectively limit Voxtur shareholders to two options: (1) vote for the Incumbents OR ELSE (2) trigger an event of default under your Company’s credit agreements. If, in fact, the Incumbents have agreed to bind Voxtur to these draconian terms, we have profound concerns that the Incumbents may have breached their duty of good faith and loyalty and their duty of care they owe to the Company and you, the Voxtur shareholders.

On the topic of events of default, Voxtur has disclosed that Gary Yeoman’s employment agreement contains a change of control provision that, if triggered, requires Voxtur to pay his annual base salary for the “balance of the eight-year term of his contract” or such other amount as the TSX Venture Exchange (or other applicable stock exchange) may allow. You read that right: Voxtur’s board of directors and management were so uncertain that the TSX Venture Exchange (or other applicable stock exchange) would allow such eye-watering golden parachute payments, that they simply agreed that Voxtur would pay Gary Yeoman the maximum that the stock exchange would actually allow. As a reminder, Gary Yeoman’s annual base salary is US$1,000,000. Moreover, if the change of control occurs after January 29, 2027, the amount of Gary Yeoman’s golden parachute payments are double his annual salary. This incentive structure certainly raises questions about the Incumbents’ motives in resisting the election of the Shareholder Nominees.

Voxtur’s Claim: The Incumbents Have Made Meaningful Progress in Voxtur’s “Turnaround”

TRUTH: In their June 21, 2024 press release, the Incumbents claim to have executed on a “comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing long-term shareholder value” over the past fourteen months. Despite these claimed efforts, the position of Voxtur shareholders during the past fourteen months has deteriorated significantly, with trading prices for Voxtur Shares declining by over 60% and trading volumes declining by over 88%.2

In the June 21, 2024 press release, the Incumbents also disclosed for the first time that in January 2024 the Company had engaged a financial advisor to conduct a strategic review. We think it is a fair question to ask: how is it possible that under the Incumbents’ supervision, the strategic review has failed to locate a value-unlocking transaction in the nearly seven months since its commencement?

Voxtur’s Claim: The Shareholder Nominees Lack Qualifications

TRUTH: The Incumbents have claimed that the Shareholder Nominees lack experience to lead Voxtur. On the contrary, it is obvious that the Incumbent’s nominees for the Board are simply out of their depths. As the Incumbents themselves have stated, Blue Water Financial Technologies, LLC and Blue Water Financial Technologies Services, LLC (collectively “Blue Water”) is a “prized asset” of Voxtur and key to Voxtur’s future. The experience gained by several of the Shareholder Nominees in the course of the growth of Blue Water will be key to righting the ship for Voxtur.

The Incumbents have also failed to consider the importance of the Blue Water teams, including Alan P. Qureshi, and the devastating loss to Voxtur in the event of Mr. Qureshi’s departure from Blue Water.

Voxtur’s Claim: Support the Incumbents to Support your Investment

TRUTH: Voxtur’s management chose to set up the AGSM in an entirely virtual format. We understand that at the AGSM, shareholders will not be permitted to ask verbal questions and all motions and comments are required to be made by text. Make no mistake – the Incumbents chose this entirely virtual format and we think it is fair to ask: did they set up the AGSM in an entirely virtual format to insulate themselves from constructive verbal engagement with shareholders? If they did, why trust a board/management team that deliberately puts up roadblocks for you to exercise your rights as a shareholder?

__________________

2

Voxtur Share price source: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/quote/VXTR.V/.

 

Voxtur’s Claim: The Incumbents Have No Credible Plan

TRUTH: The Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability have been transparent and forthright from the beginning. In our June 19, 2024 press release we outlined a six-point plan that just makes sense:

Install a Board and management team with expertise in the US residential mortgage market.Implement a long-term strategic plan for sustainable shareholder performance.Conduct a strategic asset review to identify opportunities for value creation.Enhance the transparency of financial reporting.5Optimize Voxtur’s corporate structure.Install transformational leadership change for Voxtur.

The Incumbents would have you believe that they are diligently executing on an effective strategy. This could not be further from the truth. The fact is that: chaos reigns supreme at Voxtur. Take these recent examples:

Gary Yeoman stated that the Voxtur’s Real Property Tax Assessment software and tax business (RPTA) could be bigger than Blue Water.3 Any material uptake of RPTA would require a fair and public request for proposal (RFP) process by a taxing authority. Yet, it has been years since Voxtur shareholders have heard any meaningful updates on RPTA, let alone any developments regarding Voxtur’s participation in an RFP.At one point, Voxtur stated that Voxtur AOL (attorney opinion letter) would drive innovation and change.4 Despite the potential we see in Voxtur AOL, we have yet to see any traction and for some reason, the Incumbents have swept this offering under the rug.

The Incumbents are grasping at straws and lack a coherent plan. It is time for Voxtur to be proactive (not reactive) with respect to Voxtur’s business. The Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability have the required proactive plan.

YOUR VOTE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, PLEASE VOTE NO LATER THAN 9:00 A.M. (EASTERN TIME) ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024 (OR EARLIER IF REQUIRED BY YOUR BROKER)

If you have misplaced your form of proxy or voting instruction form, or if you have questions or need assistance in completing and submitting your proxy or voting instruction form or changing your vote, please contact Nicholas H. Smith by email to: inquiries@riceparkcapital.com.

__________________

 

Additional Information | Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption

The following information is provided in accordance with Canadian corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability are relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 and section 112 (1.2) of the Ontario Business Corporations Act to make this public broadcast solicitation.

This solicitation is being made by the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability and not by or on behalf of the management of Voxtur. The registered office address of Voxtur is located at 543 Ridout Street N, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 2P8.

The Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability have filed this press release containing the information required by section 9.2(4)(c) of NI 51-102 and have filed the Information Document containing the information required by section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 and Form 51-102F5 – Information Circular in respect of the Shareholder Nominees on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability may solicit proxies in reliance upon the public broadcast exemption to the solicitation requirements under applicable Canadian corporate and securities laws, conveyed by way of public broadcast, including through press releases, speeches or publications, and by any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws. All costs incurred for the solicitation will be borne by the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability.

A registered holder of Voxtur Shares that gives a proxy may revoke it: (a) by completing and signing a proxy bearing a later date and depositing it in accordance with the instructions contained in Voxtur’s management information circular; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing revoking the proxy executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing (i) at Voxtur’s registered office at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the AGSM or any adjournment thereof at which the proxy is to be used, or (ii) with the Chair of the AGSM immediately prior to the AGSM being called to order or any adjournment thereof; or (c) in any other manner permitted by law.

A non-registered holder of Voxtur Shares will be entitled to revoke a form of proxy or voting instruction form given to an intermediary at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline given in the form of proxy or voting instruction form by the intermediary or its service company to ensure it is effective.

As of the date of this press release, shareholders holding approximately 139,277,306 Voxtur Shares have signed support letters in favor of the Shareholder Nominees, representing approximately 19.3% of the total issued and outstanding Voxtur Shares as of the record date for the AGSM.

Additional Information | Interest in Matters to be Acted Upon at the AGSM

Mr. Qureshi’s employment agreement with Blue Water Financial Technologies, LLC (a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company) provides that the severance amount for termination without cause, or resignation by Mr. Qureshi citing a “good reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), within six (6) months prior to or twelve (12) months after a “change in control” (which includes the election of the Shareholder Nominees to the Board, in addition to other events described in the employment agreement), be equal to three times Mr. Qureshi’s annual base salary then in effect and his average annual incentive compensation during the term of his employment.

With the exception of the foregoing, to the knowledge of Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability, none of the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability or any of the Shareholder Nominees or any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter currently known to be acted upon at the AGSM other than the election of directors. In addition, none of the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability or any of the Shareholder Nominees or any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s most recently completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or would materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Disclaimer

The information contained or referenced herein is for information purposes only in order to provide the views of the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability and the matters which the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability believe to be of concern to shareholders described herein. The information is not tailored to specific investment objections, the financial situations, suitability, or particular need of any specific person(s) who may receive the information, and should not be taken as advice in considering the merits of any investment decision. The views expressed herein represent the views and options of the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability, whose opinions may change at any time and which are based on the analyses of the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In general, forward-looking information refers to disclosure about future conditions, courses of action, and events. Forward-looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to, statements of Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability regarding: (i) the AGSM, including the intention of the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability  to solicit proxies in connection therewith, (ii) the proposed reconstitution of the Board, (iii) the future of the Company and (iv) matters relating to the Company, including its business, operations, financial condition and strategic plan. All statements contained in this press release that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the use of any of the words “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “will”, “would”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability and currently available information. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. The Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

SOURCE Voxtur Shareholders for Accountability

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Eyemart Express Rolls Out Digital and Ecommerce Strategy

Published

on

By

Optical retailer to offer easy, online scheduling for in-store eye exams and sell ecommerce prescription glasses delivered nationwide with record speed

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — National optical retailer Eyemart Express has launched a new ecommerce site eyemartexpress.com that offers best-in-class web technology with a human touch and delivery speed that is unmatched in the industry.

The new ecommerce site, combined with Eyemart’s nationwide network of 250 stores with experienced optometrists and in-store labs, represents the most compelling omni-channel proposition in the optical market. Customers can use the site to easily schedule eye exams and order quality prescription glasses at a great value, delivered to home in just a few days. 

“The opportunity to offer our distinct value – which combines hyper-local community engagement with unparalleled service and speed – on a national scale will enable us to grow our business and tap into new markets,” said CEO Mike Nuzzo. “We will continue to elevate our brand, deepen our connections in the communities we serve, and strengthen our long-standing relationships with local doctors who are passionate about the care they provide.”

Eyemart Express also recently updated the look and feel of its brand, focusing on ‘See the Moment,’ which represents the speedy, high quality service that customers value, and the company’s dedication to ensuring customers don’t miss key moments in their lives.

About Eyemart Express
Eyemart Express is more than just a local eye care provider – we are eye care experts embedded in the fabric of our local communities. Doctor-founded in 1990, our team has grown alongside our customers and their families, bringing quality and accessible eye care services to each town we serve. Deep partnerships with local optometrists, on-site technicians, and in-house labs enable us to deliver over 80% of glasses in one hour in our 250 stores nationwide. We offer a seamless blend of the latest technology, comprehensive eye care, and genuine human connections to deliver glasses to any location in the U.S. that are “Made Today – Shipped Tomorrow,” faster than any other eyewear brand. The company ranks among the top optical retailers in the country with its family of brands: Vision 4 Less, Visionmart Express, and Eyewear Express. For more information about Eyemart Express, visit eyemartexpress.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eyemart-express-rolls-out-digital-and-ecommerce-strategy-302255960.html

SOURCE Eyemart Express

Continue Reading

Technology

INOVAIT and the Government of Canada announce the latest recipients of the INOVAIT Pilot Fund for advancements in image-guided therapy and artificial intelligence

Published

on

By

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – INOVAIT, the pan-Canadian innovation network supporting advancements and commercialization in image-guided therapy (IGT) and artificial intelligence (AI), is excited to announce the latest recipients of its Pilot Fund. This competitive funding program is awarded to compelling medical technology projects that harness the transformative power of AI, machine learning, and big data analytics in IGT to advance medical innovation and streamline care.

INOVAIT has committed just under $730,000 to support six new projects involving collaborations between small- and medium-sized enterprises, hospital research centres, and academic institutions, creating jobs and launching healthcare innovation across the country.

The combined value of the six projects is over $2.2M, contributed by all participating companies, organizations, and partners. INOVAIT is proud to offer this non-dilutive financial support to Canada’s most innovative technologies in IGT. Funding was provided coast to coast to projects that demonstrated the highest commercialization potential and economic impact, including projects in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.

Kullervo Hynynen, co-executive director of INOVAIT, proudly stated, “INOVAIT’s financial support promotes the practical application of research and development efforts, speeds up market readiness of innovations, generates high-impact jobs for Canadians and fuels the sector overall.” He added, “To date, INOVAIT has selected 88 IGT-AI projects for funding, leading to an expected infusion of $128 million into the burgeoning Canadian image-guided therapy sector.”

Sound Blade Medical leads one of the six announced INOVAIT Pilot Fund projects. In partnership with Dalhousie University, they are revolutionizing endoscopic healthcare through cutting-edge image-guided histotripsy and machine learning algorithms. Their INOVAIT Pilot Fund project focuses on advancing treatment and care for those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Current surgical options to treat OSA are performed blind, often leading to complications such as bleeding, infection, speech impairment, and tongue paralysis. Sound Blade’s project will further develop non-invasive, image-guided ultrasound ablation (histotripsy) technology as an alternative to tongue-base reduction surgery for OSA. With the help of AI, Sound Blade’s intra-oral image-guided ablation prototype will precisely and non-invasively liquify fatty tongue tissue, protecting vital neighbouring tissue and mitigating the complications associated with standard surgical OSA treatment.

“We are incredibly grateful to INOVAIT and the Government of Canada for their generous support,” said Jeremy Brown, CEO and founder of Sound Blade. “The INOVAIT Pilot Fund will accelerate our ability to bring innovative healthcare solutions to the market and improve patient lives.”

INOVAIT is able to enable projects like Sound Blade’s because of the support from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).

“Our government understands the amazing potential of image-guided therapy and AI to revolutionize how Canadians receive medical care,” said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “That is why we are excited to partner with INOVAIT to help support stakeholders working across this exciting new technological landscape and ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of cutting-edge medical innovations.”

For a complete list of companies funded to date through INOVAIT, visit www.inovait.ca/funding. For any inquiries regarding INOVAIT or its programming, please reach out to inovait@sunnybrook.ca .

About INOVAIT

Established in 2020, INOVAIT invests strategically in collaborative partnerships that build upon Canada’s strength in digital innovation and health science research to create a critical mass of world-leading image-guided therapy (IGT) companies focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics. Led by the Sunnybrook Research Institute and supported by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund, the network brings together small, medium-sized, and large companies, research organizations, post-secondary institutions, and not-for-profit organizations to collaborate, connect, and work together. The network’s mission is to build a truly integrated IGT-AI ecosystem by fuelling continuous innovation, commercialization, and collaboration that revolutionizes healthcare globally.

About Sunnybrook Research Institute

Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) is the research arm of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, an internationally recognized academic health sciences centre fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. With well-established programs in basic and applied sciences which span across three scientific platforms and ten clinical programs, SRI is developing innovations in care for the more than 1.3 million patient visits the hospital sees annually. Recognized as a Centre of Excellence in focused ultrasound, SRI has one of the most comprehensive and successful focused ultrasound research programs in the world, with technical, scientific, and clinical experts accelerating progress in the field.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inovait-and-the-government-of-canada-announce-the-latest-recipients-of-the-inovait-pilot-fund-for-advancements-in-image-guided-therapy-and-artificial-intelligence-302255899.html

SOURCE INOVAIT

Continue Reading

Technology

NEW Global Rideshare Report – First Half 2024: Obi’s Unique Datasets Uncover New Rideshare Trends

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Obi, the global real-time aggregator for rideshares, today released an expanded and updated Global Rideshare Report incorporating additional first half 2024 data. This extensive report provides an unparalleled analysis of the rideshare industry, examining 85 million unique searches and over one billion data points.

The report offers a deep dive into the increasingly complex pricing models used by rideshare companies and market dynamics across major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Paris, and Delhi with unique insights on how to beat surge and weather pricing dynamics.

“This unprecedented report shows how complex pricing models and rideshare data have become,” noted Obi Chief Revenue Officer, Ashwini Anburajan. “We highlight never before seen data sets and trend analysis across the industry. We hope this report will open a few eyes and help consumers as well as companies make smarter decisions. The world of rideshare data has been very opaque historically and this is just the first step in helping to bring greater transparency with Obi’s unique insights.”

The updated Obi Global Rideshare Report – First Half 2024 highlights significant trends and insights across both driver side and rider side, reflecting the industry’s evolution post-pandemic. Combining proprietary data with public sources, the report explores critical topics such as driver pay, price fluctuations, competition amongst providers, and the growth of green rides.

Key takeaways from the new Obi Global Rideshare Report – First Half 2024 include:

Inflation And The Rideshare Price Rollercoaster: In the last four years in the U.S. market, rideshare prices have spiked, dropped and leveled out. An illustration of how prices have increased: a ride on Uber in 2020 that cost $30 would have risen to $35 in 2021 and $37 in 2022. In 2023 prices dropped, and the same ride would have cost users $33. In mid-2024 that same ride is now $31.50. In the period between 2020 and 2022, prices spiked by 23% if you took an Uber and 32% for Lyft. This has now come down and prices are 4.5% higher than they were in 2020 for Uber, while Lyft prices are 8.1% higher. Consumers are paying more per ride in the last three years than in the ten years prior when VC funding fueled growth over profitability. Gas prices, inflation and the push for profitability have all impacted consumers.As consumer prices increase, driver pay drops: We found that drivers earn a smaller percentage of the ride fare than they had pre-pandemic in 2019. Uber pays 10.5% less on average to their drivers. Drivers have gone from earning 72.6% of the ride to 60.7% in the first half of 2024.Rideshare Prices Rose By Over 9% In A 12-Month Period Nationally: Over the 12 month period from July 2023 through June 2024, rideshare prices continue to increase. Uber’s prices increased over this period by 9.75% from $28.18 to $30.93 nationally in the United States. Lyft’s prices also ticked up by 9.8% from $28.17 to $30.93. Consumers continue to travel slightly farther, with average distance for a trip increasing from 11.06 km (6.87 miles) to 11.3 km (7.02 miles)Earnings Per Ride Grows In New York City: Both rideshare companies in the New York City market are making more per ride than they were pre-pandemic. In 2019 Uber’s average earning per fare in NYC was $1.80. It has increased by 250% and is $6.29 in the first half of 2024. In 2019 Lyfts’s average earning per fare in NYC was $4.11. It has increased by 38% and is $5.65 in the first half of 2024.Competition Among Rideshare Providers in London Keeps Prices Low: Unlike New York City, London’s prices have stayed relatively stable over the last several years driven largely by price competition between multiple rideshare companies. It’s 68% more expensive to take a ride in NYC than in London. London riders have more brand loyalty than other cities, with 22% of users choosing their preferred brand even when the price difference is as high as £5.Uber Underestimates Trip Duration. Data shows trip duration has a relatively minor impact on ride selection. However, Uber appears to indicate that the trip will take less time than its competitors in New York City a staggering 85% of the time, estimating that a trip will be between 4 to 5 minutes shorter than other rideshare providers.Weather Drives Surge Pricing Across Cities: Rainy weather is driving surge pricing across cities globally. We see a difference between 6% to 10% depending on the city. Cities like London and New York where rain is a regular occurrence experience the highest surge. Good news for riders in snowy weather, rideshare companies often lower their prices to attract riders.Consumers Need Incentives To Take Green Rides. Uber and Lyft have done an admirable job in increasing the number of green vehicles available to consumers in global cities. However, even though green rides have the same relative wait times and prices, consumers still choose the standard vehicle option if the wait time is as little as 1 minute longer or $1 more in price. 37% of consumers feel that green rides should be cheaper than regular rides. Overall, 10% of rides in New York are green while in Paris and London over 20% of rides selected are green rides. We credit this to European cities enforcing tougher regulations to mandate more green vehicles on the road.Eager for Driverless Cars. 77.5% of rideshare consumers say they are ready to use autonomous vehicles. Safety was the biggest concern of consumers who wouldn’t choose to ride in an autonomous vehicle.

The updated Obi Global Rideshare Report – First Half 2024 is available for download at http://rideobi.com/report2024.

About Obi:

Obi is a global real-time aggregator that compares millions of pricing and pick-up (ETA) data points, providing consumers and businesses with actionable insights. The free Obi app allows riders to compare taxis, black cars, and major rideshare providers instantly. With over 650,000 users, Obi partners with numerous rideshare and taxi providers worldwide to ensure transparency in ride fares. The app is available for free download on iOS and Android.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-global-rideshare-report—first-half-2024-obis-unique-datasets-uncover-new-rideshare-trends-302254566.html

SOURCE Obi

Continue Reading

Trending