Another week, another negative headline for app-based taxi service Uber, with London cabbies to protest against the controversial service later.
Claiming that Uber is stepping on their toes as London’s only lawful taximeter-based cab service, the United Cabbie’s Group (UCG) will conduct a ‘drive slow’ between Transport for London HQ and Victoria Station.
Uber has courted criticism around the world in recent months, with the taxi service repeatedly ruffling feathers with local licensed bodies.
Much of the issue stems from Uber’s fare system and its ‘race to the bottom’ approach at undercutting rivals.
Although the app – which lets you virtually hail a cab – can estimate a fare amount, this can fluctuate massively based on eventual journey distance and time. The UCG claims this constitutes a taximeter, a feature that, by law, only black cabs are allowed to use in London.
The group has also suggested Uber’s approach to the market is leaving licensed taxi drivers with decreased earning options.
As you might expect, TfL isn’t best pleased with the proposed protests, claiming the action will “unnecessarily disrupt Londoners and visitors to the Capital.”
In a statement to the Independent, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer for Surface Transport, Garrett Emmerson, added:
He added: “We are determined to protect the livelihoods of all legitimate taxi and private hire drivers through robust enforcement action.”
Related: What is Uber and why has it caused a black cab protest
Despite TfL’s strong words, it has been suggested that the authority is out of position to answer the concerns surrounding Uber.
“TfL has said that apps such as Uber will not damage the long term prospects of the licensed taxi trade, but the Mayor and TfL need to be prepared for the inevitable consequences of a transport environment in which technology is evolving faster than the legislation that is needed to govern its use,” a recent Transport Committee ‘Future proof’ report stated.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
