Uber being banned from London
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
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#19
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: London
Posts: 203
This is, to say the least, an odd statement. I don't support the political party the mayor belongs to but he seems even handed. His statement today supported Transport for London's decision but it seemed reluctantly given and I felt it left the door open for Uber to clean up it's act and retain or renew its licence.
#20
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DMV
Posts: 2,092
I always found it surprising that Uber managed to break into the market in the UK given that it seems virtually impossible to overcome the cabdriver lobby in man other European countries. To the point where in a number of other places where you have Uber..it's just a way of calling a cab.
#21
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,745
I always found it surprising that Uber managed to break into the market in the UK given that it seems virtually impossible to overcome the cabdriver lobby in man other European countries. To the point where in a number of other places where you have Uber..it's just a way of calling a cab.
#22
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: CLE
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
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The unexpected upside for some: http://www.suffolkgazette.com/busine...ta-prius-uber/
#23
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 96
"Fit and proper" has an established meaning in law. It's used in a wide variety of contexts where persons are required to hold certain licences to deal with vulnerable people or have some sort of responsibility. All taxi drivers and private hire drivers have to be fit and proper people too. But here it is the operator that has been found to be not fit and proper.
It is not the case that 10,000 black taxi drivers have banded together to bribe government officials (good grief). Neither is it the case that if Uber were banned, black taxis would be the only alternative. Apps are here to stay and (imho) Uber's market share would be divided among Lyft, Hailo/Mytaxi, Gett, Wheely, Taxify etc. I use Uber a lot in London but it's not a big deal to switch.
It is not the case that 10,000 black taxi drivers have banded together to bribe government officials (good grief). Neither is it the case that if Uber were banned, black taxis would be the only alternative. Apps are here to stay and (imho) Uber's market share would be divided among Lyft, Hailo/Mytaxi, Gett, Wheely, Taxify etc. I use Uber a lot in London but it's not a big deal to switch.
#24
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: LON, PDX
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Very unfortunate protectionist decision. It's unbelievable that TfL could be so myopic as to think that restricting consumer choice and forcing people who can't afford it to use wildly expensive black cabs is good for overall welfare, or for the welfare of any group outside of the black cab industry.
#25
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Posts: 4,423
The tweets from some people regarding the Uber ban are positively hilarious.
I rarely take cabs in London anymore, preferring to walk or use the tube/bus, but Uber always wins out over taxis wherever I am.
I got mad when the Black cabs started to become mobile billboards with hideous color paint jobs. Competition is good so I do hope Uber can stay.
I rarely take cabs in London anymore, preferring to walk or use the tube/bus, but Uber always wins out over taxis wherever I am.
I got mad when the Black cabs started to become mobile billboards with hideous color paint jobs. Competition is good so I do hope Uber can stay.
#26
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London
Posts: 6,265
Very unfortunate protectionist decision. It's unbelievable that TfL could be so myopic as to think that restricting consumer choice and forcing people who can't afford it to use wildly expensive black cabs is good for overall welfare, or for the welfare of any group outside of the black cab industry.
Some of the comments here might enlighten you...
http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/c...ail/story.html
#27
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Stockholm
Programs: EuroBonus Diamond
Posts: 171
It is my experience that in cities where cab companies offer competitive services including apps with automatic credit card charging and user-friendly features, Uber has had a considerably harder time establishing meaningful market share. When in Scandinavia, I check Uber when taking spontaneous trips to see what the projected wait times and prices are likely to be as compared to a normal cab, but for planned trips I always book ahead with a standard cab company.
I do not find the same to be true in London, where I've found Uber to be generally more useful and user friendly than cabs. I am not by any means price-insensitive, but price is neither my primary nor my secondary reason for choosing Uber when I need to venture beyond collective transport options in London. I've yet to have a negative experience with Uber there (or anywhere else, for that matter.)
I do not find the same to be true in London, where I've found Uber to be generally more useful and user friendly than cabs. I am not by any means price-insensitive, but price is neither my primary nor my secondary reason for choosing Uber when I need to venture beyond collective transport options in London. I've yet to have a negative experience with Uber there (or anywhere else, for that matter.)
#28
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: LH SEN; BA Gold
Posts: 8,402
Very unfortunate protectionist decision. It's unbelievable that TfL could be so myopic as to think that restricting consumer choice and forcing people who can't afford it to use wildly expensive black cabs is good for overall welfare, or for the welfare of any group outside of the black cab industry.
While the decision certainly could be qualified as protectionist, bear in mind that Uber is setting foot all over the globe and gaining market shares quickly. AFAIK we're currently in the process of swapping local taxi mafias for one global transport mafia. It seems only fair that Uber plays by local rules. If they do, then I'll be sure that the appeal will be successful. If not, then the decision was probably well deserved and it's up to Uber to change.
Uber's certainly not going to abandon such a huge market without a fight.
#29
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New York City
Posts: 3,999
No one's arguing that it's impossible to get around London by public transport. It's just quicker and easier to take Uber in many, many cases, and often hardly more expensive. Public transport can be exhausting. If you are young and fit enough not to notice this, all the better, but it makes a huge difference to quality of life for some people.
#30
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London / Los Angeles
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Very unfortunate protectionist decision. It's unbelievable that TfL could be so myopic as to think that restricting consumer choice and forcing people who can't afford it to use wildly expensive black cabs is good for overall welfare, or for the welfare of any group outside of the black cab industry.
I agree that black cabs are way overpriced.