Uber is poised to once again revolutionise the London transportation sector, this time through a new collaboration with black cab drivers. The prominent ride-hailing application has declared its intention to open its platform to black cab drivers in the coming year, a development that has elicited varied reactions from the industry.
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has voiced its discontent with this decision, asserting that they were not consulted prior to Uber’s unilateral announcement. Steve McNamara, the general secretary of LTDA, has gone so far as to state that partnering with Uber would taint the trade, citing concerns about passenger safety and workers’ rights.
Conversely, Uber has reported that a small number of black cab drivers have already registered and that they aim to recruit several hundred more by January. As per a company spokesperson, this move will present London’s cabbies with more earning opportunities, with the first London cab driver to sign up, Hameed Hameedi, expressing optimism about the collaboration.
Nevertheless, not all London licensed taxi drivers share Mr. Hameedi’s enthusiasm. For example, Howard Taylor has clearly stated that he would never contemplate joining Uber, affirming that London black cabs are the benchmark and reiterating their commitment to delivering a safe and efficient service.
The discord between Uber and black cab drivers is not a recent development. Since its inception in London in 2012, Uber has faced resistance from the black-cab community, leading to protests and campaigns against the app. The introduction of app-based hailing for minicabs has also been a point of contention, as traditional black hackney cabs historically held the exclusive right to be hailed on the street.
Moreover, Uber’s relationship with London authorities has been tumultuous, with the company losing its licence in 2017 due to apprehensions about its corporate responsibility and public safety. Despite regaining its licence through appeal and striving to enhance its practices, Uber’s standing remains a concern for many within the industry.
As Uber endeavors to expand its collaboration with black cab drivers, the prominent question that arises is whether London’s cabbies will embrace this partnership. The potential for increased earnings and travel options for passengers may sway some to participate, but as one cabbie has pointed out, the acrimony between Uber and black cab drivers has been protracted and bitter.
Andrew Brem, general manager of Uber UK, has conveyed his enthusiasm for the partnership, asserting that black cabs are an iconic element of London and that the collaboration will be advantageous for both drivers and passengers.
The outcome of this new venture is yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: the landscape of London travel stands on the cusp of significant change with Uber’s latest strategic move.
