Uber recently announced that it will allow black cab drivers in London to offer rides on its platform beginning in early 2024. This move aims to address the contentious relationship between the American ride-hailing company and the city’s iconic black cab service. Initially, Uber plans to launch the service by offering drivers the opportunity to see destinations upfront and book passengers through the Uber app. Additionally, the first drivers to sign up will enjoy a temporary waiver of the percentage of their fare that goes to Uber.
The tension between the two parties has been ongoing for over a decade since Uber’s introduction to the London taxi market. This has been a significant disruption to the black cab trade, which has been a part of the city’s transportation system for centuries. Uber’s lower entry barrier for drivers has made it a fierce competitor in London’s lucrative market, with the app expanding to incorporate various transportation options over the years.
The announcement by Uber was framed as a partnership, with the company emphasizing the benefits for new drivers. However, the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, which represents a majority of London’s nearly 18,000 cab drivers, had a scathing response, stating that there is no demand for such a partnership. The union’s general secretary criticized Uber’s safety record and expressed concerns about the impact on the black cab’s iconic status. Several cab drivers similarly expressed their disinterest and dissatisfaction with the proposed partnership, dismissing the association with Uber as a “big step down.”
The ongoing tensions between Uber and local taxi industries are not unique to London, with protests, legal battles, and controversies reported in various other cities and countries where Uber operates. In light of the response from the London taxi trade union, it remains to be seen whether black cab drivers will embrace Uber’s offering as the company seeks to secure the critical mass of drivers needed to launch the service. Uber’s long-term objectives will likely depend on how it navigates its relationship with the local taxi industry in London and elsewhere.
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