Uber licence 'not renewed' in London - thoughts?

Car_54

None of the above seems to have anything to do with the reasons for refusal to renew Uber's licence, which are all to do with their breaking the regs. which apply equally to all their competitors: most seriously (1) their failure preoperly to implement the vetting process for drivers and (2) failure to report allegations of serious crimes committed by their drivers.

They have already had their licence extended by four months to allow them to improve, but appear to have done nothing in that time.

dacouch

Apodemus wrote: »

I don't know about London, but in some cities, a disproportionate number of taxi drivers are ex-Police...

That is certainly not the case with Uber in London

dacouch

Mercdriver wrote: »

So because he is earning next to nothing he doesn't pay for insurances, doesn't maintain his car and then has an accident with you in the back. You'd care a whole lot more then.

The driver having no insurance would not stop you making a claim, which would get paid (assuming it's a valid claim), it may take slightlu longer to settle though

Nodding_Donkey

Car_54 wrote: »

most seriously (1) their failure preoperly to implement the vetting process for drivers

TFL are responsible for vetting all private hire drivers. The companies they work for aren't responsible.

thescouselander

Mercdriver wrote: »

So because he is earning next to nothing he doesn't pay for insurances, doesn't maintain his car and then has an accident with you in the back. You'd care a whole lot more then.

All the Uber cars I've been in have been relatively new - 2 or 3 years old generally. I'd say the standard of vehicle relatively high and it certainly doesn't appear that the drivers would be dodging insurance.

vikingaero

I was staggered when a Black cabbie told me how much it took for him to get his licence. This is what I remember:

Up to 5 years learning The Knowledge = £££££
£45k for a black cab (or financed per month) The diesel black cabs are scarce and only the newer electric version will be available at £55k.
£2-4k for insurance
£150 ish for a DBS
MOT every 6 months - if a fault is found their badge is instantly removed.
Random inspection for faults.

You average Uber can rent a Prius for £100 pw, get insurance and a private hire licence and a satnav because none of them know where they are going and instantly drive.

Car_54

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

TFL are responsible for vetting all private hire drivers. The companies they work for aren't responsible.

OK, TfL's exact reasons were given as:

"TfL has concluded that Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence.
TfL considers that Uber's approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications. These include:

• Its approach to reporting serious criminal offences.
• Its approach to how medical certificates are obtained.
• Its approach to how Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained.
• Its approach to explaining the use of Greyball in London - software that could be used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app and prevent officials from undertaking regulatory or law enforcement duties."

Car_54

glentoran99 wrote: »

Why is this more likely to happen with UBER than any other company?

Probably not, but when a small mini-cab operation loses its licence it isn't front page news, or probably any page.

DevilsAdvocate1

Stoke wrote: »

Just to add, I would be more tempted to use local taxi companies if they:

a. Turned up on time (Rarely happens locally).
b. Didn't turn up in dirty, unpleasant taxi's.
c. Used the meter rather than pulled a random fare out of their head when we arrive that's usually way over the top (a real problem in Stoke).

I regularly travel to Northampton where I get a taxi to my company's offices. Some taxi drivers hear my accent, assume I don't know the area and take me on the most convaluted route possible. Its means that the journey can be £9 or £13. I've taken to explaining that I do this route regularly and expect to go the shortest route and I do know what this route is.

Warwick_Hunt

Apodemus wrote: »

I don't know about London, but in some cities, a disproportionate number of taxi drivers are ex-Police...

Really, what's your source for that fact?