Uber to partner with London's black cabs despite disputes

Uber to partner with London's black cabs despite disputes

Uber has come into conflict with traditional 'cabbies', who accuse the service of undermining prices, workers' rights and safety standards
Uber has come into conflict with traditional 'cabbies', who accuse the service of undermining prices, workers' rights and safety standards. Photo: Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP/File
Source: AFP

Uber is to roll out its service to London black cabs next year, it announced Wednesday, despite long-running friction between drivers of the traditional taxis and the US-based firm.

"The move opens up the Uber app to the iconic hackney carriage –- much-loved by tourists and Londoners alike and an historic part of the capital's transport network," the San Francisco-based company said in a statement.

Currently, black cabs are hailed as they drive on London's roads, but people will be able to use Uber to book them from early 2024, with drivers able to sign up to the service from Monday.

Uber launched in London over a decade ago, and has since provided over a billion trips in the UK capital.

But it has come into conflict with the traditional "cabbies", who have to memorise every street and landmark within a six-mile (10-kilometre) radius of central London in a test called "The Knowledge".

Read also

Philips stock slumps after new FDA warning

They accuse the app-based service of undermining prices, workers' rights and safety standards.

PAY ATTENTION: Watch the hottest celebrity stories on our YouTube channel 'Briefly TV'. Subscribe now!

Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA) which represents black cab drivers, said that there was "no demand" for the partnership.

"We are not aware of any drivers having been recruited and don't believe our members will even consider joining the app, given its well-documented poor record on everything from passenger safety to workers' rights in London.

"I can only assume that this latest effort represents a last-ditch attempt to reinvigorate their ailing business model," he added.

Thousands of drivers of black cabs have previously taken part in protests at the lack of regulations imposed on Uber, blocking London's most famous roads.

Uber's London operation has suffered previous licence suspensions over safety concerns.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: AFP

Authors:
AFP avatar

AFP AFP text, photo, graphic, audio or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP news material may not be stored in whole or in part in a computer or otherwise except for personal and non-commercial use. AFP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP news material or in transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages whatsoever. As a newswire service, AFP does not obtain releases from subjects, individuals, groups or entities contained in its photographs, videos, graphics or quoted in its texts. Further, no clearance is obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP material. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP material.