Dominic Browne 24 September 2019

Uber granted two month licence

Transport for London (TfL) has issued Uber London Limited (ULL) with a two-month private hire operator licence after previously trying to oust to ride hailing app from its network

The transport authority said that its original decision not to license ULL had 'led to the app-based firm improving its culture and governance'.

After being dropped by TfL, Uber appealed the decision and received a 15-month private hire operator’s licence from the Chief Magistrate with conditions. The licence was due to expire on Wednesday 25 September.

The new two-month licence will have the same conditions, although TfL is also requesting 'additional information' from Uber.

A TfL spokesperson said: 'Uber London Limited has been granted a two-month private hire operator licence to allow for scrutiny of additional information that we are requesting ahead of consideration of any potential further licensing application.'

Caroline Russell AM, Green Party Member of the London Assembly, said: 'I welcome keeping pressure on Uber to be a fit and proper private hire operator, but drivers will be concerned for their future. The mayor, and Government, must act decisively across the private hire and ‘gig economy’ to stop the exploitation of drivers, including bringing in a cap on numbers of vehicles licenced.

'Ironically Uber itself already knows all the information – like hours drivers work and their earnings, number and types of trips taken by Londoners – that TfL needs to bring in proper regulation to protects workers.

'TfL must follow New York’s lead and demand access to this vital data from Uber as a condition of licencing.'

The conditions under which Uber can operate include:

  • A requirement for Uber to produce an independently verified assurance report every six months
  • A requirement for the addition of three non-executive directors to its board
  • A requirement for notice of at least 28 days for changes to ULL’s operating model
  • A requirement to maintain arrangements with the Metropolitan Police for the reporting of passenger complaints that may be criminal.
  • The new two-month licence will have the same conditions along with new conditions to ensure passenger safety, these cover ride sharing, appropriate insurance and driver document checks by Uber.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
up to £179,404 per annum
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Cook - Care home

West Northamptonshire Council
£13.52ph
Southfields Care home Rated GOOD by CQC provides exceptional levels of support to older persons living with Dementia, Physical disabilities or /and Sensory impairments. Situated in a residential suburb in Northampton, offering a wonderful living environm Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Assistant Engineer Bridges and Structures

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £42,839
We are looking for an assistant engineer or engineer to join our Bridges and Structures team. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Environmental Services Contract Manager

East Devon District Council
£52,413 - £59,615 per year
This is a role with real strategic influence. From shaping policy and commissioning service improvements Devon
Recuriter: East Devon District Council
Linkedin Banner