Uber's 30-Month Safety Push

Uber has successfully secured a new 30-month operating licence in London, albeit with unspecified conditions, as confirmed by Transport for London (TfL) on Friday. This development marks a significant milestone for Uber, which has faced regulatory hurdles in the past.

A TfL spokesperson stated, “Uber has been granted a London private hire vehicle operator’s licence for a period of 30 months, with conditions.” While the specifics of these conditions remain undisclosed, they are expected to address ongoing safety and operational concerns.

Andrew Brem, Uber’s UK General Manager, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing safety, improving driver conditions, and electrifying its fleet in London.

With an estimated 3.5 million Londoners relying on Uber for their transportation needs, the company has significantly impacted the city’s transport landscape. The rise of minicabs, facilitated by Uber, has contributed to the decline of traditional London black taxis. According to the latest TfL figures, there are just over 17,000 licensed taxi drivers in London compared to more than 108,000 minicab drivers.

TfL, the regulatory body overseeing private hire and licensed black taxis, has previously revoked Uber’s licence in 2017 and 2019 due to passenger safety concerns. In both instances, Uber continued operations pending court appeals, eventually regaining its licence through successful appeals in 2018 and 2020.

In 2019, TfL cited Uber’s failure to meet the “fit and proper” criteria for private hire operators. Inspectors discovered that at least 14,000 journeys were conducted by drivers who exploited vulnerabilities in Uber’s app to fake their identities.

The IWGB union raised concerns about Uber’s lack of journey data, which they say hinders TfL’s ability to assess driver working conditions. Uber reiterated its commitment to safety, noting that drivers must hold a valid private hire licence and undergo an Enhanced DBS background check. Since 2017, Uber has introduced new safety features and partnered with safety organisations.

As Uber navigates its renewed licence period, the company’s focus on safety, driver welfare, and sustainability will be under close scrutiny by both regulators and the public.