UBER UPDATE
UBER LICENCE TO OPERATE FROM YORK APPROVED DESPITE OPPOSITION FROM LOCAL TAXI DRIVERS
City of York Council’s licensing and regulatory committee granted Uber’s private hire operator licence application on 11 June, with conditions banning its drivers from parking in hackney rank spaces. Uber head of cities, Matthew Freckleton, said Uber looked forward to recruiting York-based drivers and having an official relationship with the council. However, Arshad Mahmood, Chair- man of York City Taxi Association, which held a protest against the application outside the council's offices
ahead of the four hour
meeting said: “We are dis- appointed that the council has granted Uber a conditional licence for one year. This decision has overlooked 44 wheelchair acces- sible hackneys and wheelchair taxi users as Uber hasn’t given any
breach at the company in 2016 which affected 57 million users, as well as 155 complaints being lodged against its drivers in the year leading up to decision.
the
Cllr Jason Rose told the meeting: “We have no idea if they are better or worse
reassurances or commitment that they will have WAVs available at all times unlike other York licensed operators or York taxis on ranks. Mr Shafqat Ali, Vice chair of YCTA said: “This decision has also over looked public safety.” The decision means Uber will be able to establish a base in York and recruit local drivers for the first time since councillors refused to renew its licence in 2017. The refusal followed a significant data
UBER SECURES LICENCE TO OPERATE IN DUNDEE
Uber has officially been granted a licence to operate in Dundee, in what has been decribed as a major shift for the city's taxi industry. The decision came after Dundee councillors approved the ride- hailing company’s application to establish an office in the Flour Mill complex on Commercial Street. This move is expected to bring substantial changes to Dundee’s transportation landscape. Uber’s
presence will mean
increased competition, potentially leading to lower fares and more options for residents and visitors. Supporters of the decision high-
18
light the benefits of modern, app- based convenience
and the
potential for job creation. However, the introduction of Uber has also raised concerns among existing taxi operators, who fear that the increased competition could impact their livelihoods. As Uber begins its operations, all eyes will be on how the company’s innovative model integrates with Dundee’s existing transportation framework. This development is poised to reshape the way people move around the city, setting a new standard for urban mobility.
than that now because they have chosen not to tell us for seven years about anything they legally didn't have to.” Several York cabbies spoke against Uber’s application, claiming out- of-town Uber drivers had plied for trade at ranks and competed against them despite the com- pany not being licensed in York. One cabbie currently working in the city said drivers were already “struggling” and urged members of the licensing committee to “please help your local drivers to get enough to feed our families”. York Taxi Association chair Mr Arshad Asif said councillors should stand by their previous decision to refuse a licence. Darren Avy, of Station Taxis, said Uber drivers had been known to flood into York
during busy
periods, including estimates of up to 500 on race days. He, said: “Uber’s business model is unethical, their effect on the economy, employment and their environmental degradation are all compelling reasons to say no.” Uber’s Mr Freckleton said its ‘geofencing’ technology stopped jobs being sent to drivers waiting at ranks and the company would take action against complaints including claims of plying for trade.
JULY 2024 PHTM
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