Uber has recently made a significant announcement revealing their decision to include London’s renowned black cabbies on its app, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to gain the trust and support of the taxi industry. The official launch of this service is slated for early 2024, and a number of London cabbies have already begun the process of signing up for this opportunity. As part of this initiative, it is envisaged that all 15,000 of London’s cab drivers will have the chance to register for Uber trip referrals. In addition to London, Uber has also finalised agreements with taxi fleet owners in prominent cities such as New York City, Paris, Rome, and Los Angeles, allowing their drivers to be featured on the app.
This move is perceived as a significant triumph for Uber, and the inclusion of London’s iconic black cabbies in its app could prove to be instrumental in fostering trust with taxi owners who may still harbour reservations about Uber’s intentions. Nonetheless, the decision has elicited divergent reactions within the industry. The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), which advocates for 10,000 drivers, has expressed doubt regarding the potential for an influx of drivers on the app.
LTDA’s general secretary, Steve McNamara, has raised concerns about the decision-making process, citing a lack of demand from the drivers they represent and asserting that no consultations were undertaken with taxi trade groups in advance. He has also emphasised that London’s black cabs are already available on other leading taxi apps and has voiced disinterest in affiliating London’s iconic taxi trade with Uber’s perceived subpar safety record.
Despite previous tensions between Uber and the taxi industry, the company has set an ambitious goal of featuring every taxi in the world on its app by 2025, and there is a greater willingness among taxi owners to engage with this initiative. With taxis currently featured in the Uber app in 33 countries, including Hong Kong, Poland, South Korea, Sweden, and Turkey, the company has witnessed hundreds of thousands of taxi drivers receiving trip referrals. A recent agreement was also reached to incorporate 14,000 of New York City’s yellow taxis into the app.
Uber derives a commission from taxi trips booked through its app, with an average global take rate of 28.3 percent in the third quarter of this year. However, the company has pledged to waive its commission on trips for London cabbies for the first six months.
In light of the integration of black cabs into the Uber app, both Uber and London’s black cabs have exhibited resilience in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a surge in the registration of new cabs, including electric-powered vehicles. Uber has further secured a 30-month license to continue its ridesharing services in London, following a legal battle with Transport for London over its safety credentials.
Moreover, London cabbies, celebrated for their knowledge and expertise, undergo rigorous training to familiarise themselves with thousands of landmarks across the greater London area. This meticulous attention to detail and steadfast commitment to precision sets London’s black cabbies apart, underscoring their integral role in the city’s transportation network.
In conclusion, the inclusion of London’s distinguished black cabs in the Uber app reflects a significant advancement for both the taxi and ride-hailing industries. As this partnership unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will influence the dynamic between traditional taxis and modern ride-hailing services.
