UBER UPDATE


ABINGDON CABBIE FEARS CLOSURE AS UBER’S “AGGRESSIVE” PRICING HITS LOCAL FIRMS


An Abingdon taxi firm owner says his business is “struggling” and could be forced to close due to ride-hailing giant Uber’s “aggressive” pricing tactics since its launch in Oxford


and


surrounding areas in February. Yaseem Yusuf, who runs Thames Valley Taxis, claims his trade has fallen by 50% and that Uber’s practices are “squeezing out local f irms who could not afford to operate at a loss.” He fears his three-year-old business and other small taxi companies may “not exist in the area” within two years.


Yusuf specifically cited Uber’s large, time-limited discounts as something local firms “can’t match” because they “have to find a way to replace the money we [would] be losing.” He added: “We’re struggling to f ind ways to offer customers a good deal but also sustain a small business.” In response, an Uber spokesperson emphasised that “Oxford is a thriving city with a huge work- force, student community and booming tourism sector – there is huge demand across the city which all operators here can compete for.”


Uber also highlighted “new earning opportunities for local drivers, all of whom have access to industry leading worker rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through GMB Union.” Yusuf is also concerned about his elderly customers who “do not use smartphones” and rely on traditional taxi services. “They have a very basic telephone and they give us a call, they are happy with our service,” he explained, adding: “If we don’t generate income, sadly the business will be lost.”


TUNBRIDGE WELLS CABBIES “FUMING” AS UBER SECURES OPERATING LICENCE


Cabbies in Tunbridge Wells are reportedly “fuming” after ride- hailing giant Uber was granted a one-year licence to operate in the borough, with many expressing anger over how the announce- ment was handled and concerns about the future of local firms. The decision by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s (TWBC) licensing department will allow Uber to cover Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood, Southborough, and surrounding villages. An Uber spokesman confirmed the licence had been granted and that the company plans to begin signing up drivers in the area soon. However, the news has been met with significant backlash from local cabbies. Clayton Berry, proprietor of Cleggy’s Taxi, claimed


PHTM AUGUST 2025


that the announcement was “leaked on social media” by a councillor before the council’s senior licensing officer officially informed taxi drivers. “Loads of cabbies are absolutely fuming. Something like this is major – it’s got to go through the proper channels,” Berry


stated,


confirming an “official complaint” has been lodged regarding the communication breakdown. Concerns extend beyond the announcement’s timing, with drivers fearing the impact on their livelihoods. “Of course there are concerns – you’ll see drivers leaving their firms,” Berry said, predicting that Uber’s presence could “slowly drive smaller taxi and private hire firms out of business.” He highlighted Uber’s surge pricing


and unreliability in rural areas, arguing: “You have goliaths and the small ones and the goliaths will win at the end of the day.” Berry also expressed sympathy for Uber drivers, suggesting they receive only a fraction of the fare. A council spokesperson defended the decision, stating: “Uber went through the full licensing appli- cation process, which includes an assessment against the council’s policies, and were duly awarded their licence on 17 July 2025.” Uber did not specify an exact launch date for its services in Tunbridge Wells. The one-year licence is a common initial period for the company when entering a new licensing authority, as seen with their recent five-year licence renewal in York after an initial one-year term.


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