London Mayor, Sadiq Khan |
Taxi technology company
Uber has lost its licence to operate in London effective September 30,
London Transport regulator announced on Friday.
Uber has lost its licence to operate in London effective September 30,
London Transport regulator announced on Friday.
The decision by London will affect over 40,000 drivers in a huge blow to the taxi app.
The
transport regulator said that Uber approach to transportation lacked
corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have
potential public safety and security implications.
transport regulator said that Uber approach to transportation lacked
corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have
potential public safety and security implications.
According to the regulator, the final day of Uber’s license will be on Sep. 30.
Uber, which has the right to appeal the decision within 21 days, did not offer an immediate comment.
It is unclear whether Uber will be able to operate in October whilst any appeal is being considered.
In London, Uber has faced criticism from unions, lawmakers and traditional black cab drivers over working conditions.
Globally,
Uber has endured a tumultuous few months after a string of scandals
involving allegations of sexism and bullying at the company, leading to
investor pressure which forced out former CEO and co-founder Travis
Kalanick.
Uber has endured a tumultuous few months after a string of scandals
involving allegations of sexism and bullying at the company, leading to
investor pressure which forced out former CEO and co-founder Travis
Kalanick.
The
app has been forced to quit several countries including Denmark and
Hungary and faced regulatory battles in multiple U.S. states and
countries around the world.
app has been forced to quit several countries including Denmark and
Hungary and faced regulatory battles in multiple U.S. states and
countries around the world.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he backed the decision.
“All
companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high
standards we expect – particularly when it comes to the safety of
customers,” he said.
companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high
standards we expect – particularly when it comes to the safety of
customers,” he said.
“It
would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way
that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security.”
would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way
that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security.”
Uber
said it would challenge a decision by London’s transport regulator on
Friday to strip it of its licence to operate from the end of the month.
said it would challenge a decision by London’s transport regulator on
Friday to strip it of its licence to operate from the end of the month.
Source: NAN