At Uber, we are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the on-demand economy, using our technology to help save time, expand mobility options, support small business, and provide flexible earning opportunities for thousands of drivers and delivery people in Australia.  

Our approach to reimagining the way consumers navigate day-to-day life is having a meaningful impact on Australia’s economy.

Uber’s 2021 ANZ Economic Impact Report, compiled by Public First and launched today, shows how we helped to transform the on-demand economy for consumers, communities, merchants, drivers and delivery people, generating $10.4 billion in value for Australia’s economy in 2021.

The report takes a deeper look into the drivers behind this economic contribution and the enhancement of safety and sustainability of the industry. 

Key findings of the report include:

Uber’s contribution to the Australian economy

  • Uber and Uber Eats created an estimated $10.4 billion in economic value for the Australian economy and produced $6.6 billion in consumer surplus in 2021, which is equivalent to 0.35% of GDP.

On-demand services boosted small business recovery 

  • Uber’s platforms encouraged Australians to support local restaurants and merchants which they would otherwise not have had access to, leading to $889 million in additional revenue – and a gross impact of $8.4 billion for the Australian economy as a whole.
  • 79% of Uber Eats users agree that food delivery apps made it easier to discover new restaurants.
  • 70% of users have ordered from restaurants they had never tried before.

Drivers and delivery people value flexibility

  • Flexibility was a more important factor than earnings in why drivers and delivery people choose to drive or deliver through the Uber Driver app, which is worth an estimated $400 million to this cohort.
  • In 2021, we estimate that drivers made an additional $456 million a year in earnings through Uber, or an average of 6% more than their next best alternative.

Consumer behaviour helped to drive innovation

  • Consumers are prioritising convenience and reliability, with Uber estimated to save riders in Australia over 40 million hours a year leaving more time for family and friends.
  • On average, Uber riders saved 18 minutes per trip compared to the next best alternative, leaving more time for family and friends.
  • Uber and Uber Eats produced $6.6 billion in consumer surplus* for Australians in 2021.
  • Uber’s trackable point-to-point transport solutions are helping to fill the inevitable gaps in public transport, with 1 in 11 trips taken with the Uber app connecting with public transport.
  • Safety is a top reason for choosing the platform with 89% of female riders saying that safety is an important factor in their choice to use the Uber app.
  • Consumers are seeking out greener solutions and having access to sustainable ride-sharing platforms encouraged users to not own a vehicle. 
  • According to Australian riders, ridesharing is the most significant transport innovation they have experienced in the last decade.

GM Rides, Uber Australia and New Zealand, Dom Taylor said:

“After almost 10 years partnering with Australians we’re pleased to see our combined delivery and mobility businesses making such a significant contribution to Australians and the local economy.

“Uber has provided $10 billion in economic value, with the platform creating $456 million in earnings for drivers and delivery people and an additional $889 million incremental revenue for restaurant partners in 2021.

“It is clear from this report that flexibility is the most important factor in why people choose to drive or deliver with the Uber app, which is worth an estimated $400 million to this cohort.

“We’re proud that Uber was able to provide earnings opportunities for more than 100,000 people in the past year and that we were able to play our part in supporting restaurants and small businesses as well.”

You can read the full report, including the methodology here. 

* One of the most important measures of economic welfare – the amount you would pay someone to voluntarily give up a good or service. If a good has a zero consumer surplus, that implies we can take or leave it – whereas goods with a high consumer surplus are playing an important role in our lives.