Uber has decided to make a new app that will join them with black-cab drivers this year.
Immediately, a small number of eager drivers signed up, but the so-called Licensed Drivers’ Association claimed that Uber had not informed anyone before the announcement.
The LTDA’s general secretary said there was “no demand for this partnership” from the drivers it represents and that London’s taxi industry has experienced “significant growth since the pandemic, with record taxi demand, more work through taxi apps and huge investment in new electric taxis”. As a result, the black-cab drivers’ representatives did not even consider the possibility of such a collaboration, as they stressed, especially given Uber’s officially confirmed bad reputation.
The study of black cab drivers’ opinions differed in the survey itself…
There are those who have been registered in the app for 7 years and see great prospects in it, but there are also those who do not even imagine how it can work, saying that London taxis are one of the symbols and a real ”gold standard”.
Of course, taking into account the ambiguous statements about such cooperation, Uber has offered counter-offers: in particular, six months of free booking commission in the app. But will this help such a ‘scandalous taxi service’ to win favour?
In addition, Uber has not always had a good relationship with the London authorities.
It lost its licence in 2017 after Transport for London accused the company of a “lack of corporate responsibility” that “has implications for public order and safety”.
It was cited for failures in reporting criminal offences and conducting background checks.
So, will such allegations about the peculiarity of Black Cabs in London remain, or will the partnership be a more profitable option and take over London’s transport network?
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Thank you for the post. It was interesting to read it. The post raises questions about the partnership’s success and its impact on London’s transport network.
“Uber’s latest move to partner with black-cab drivers in London sparks controversy and divides opinions among drivers. The clash of traditional icons and disruptive tech continues!