People in London will be capable of order black cabs by way of Uber from early subsequent 12 months, the corporate has introduced.
A spokesman for the agency mentioned a “small number” of taxi drivers have already signed as much as the service and it hopes to recruit “several hundred” by January.
Senior figures within the black cab trade have incessantly expressed considerations over the expansion of Uber, which has historically provided minicab journeys.
Steve McNamara, common secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), which represents taxi drivers, claimed there’s “no demand” from passengers for a partnership, and accused Uber of making an attempt to make use of black cabs to “reinvigorate their ailing business model”.
People who e book a taxi by way of the app might be proven an estimated worth however might be charged the fare on the meter plus a £2 reserving charge retained by Uber.
Uber mentioned it is not going to cost new drivers fee for his or her first six months however did not reveal what the charge can be after that interval.
Uber’s UK common supervisor, Andrew Brem, mentioned: “We’re partnering with taxi drivers internationally and the message we’re listening to from them is evident: Uber and taxis are higher collectively.
“Black cabs are an iconic part of the capital, loved by Londoners and visitors alike, and we are proud to work side by side.
“Partnership is win-win-win: serving to London cab drivers earn extra, boosting journey choices for passengers, and making London’s transport community extra environment friendly.”
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Uber mentioned taxi drivers in Paris, New York, Rome and different main cities in 33 nations already present journeys booked by way of its app.
Mr McNamara mentioned: “There is no demand for this partnership from the London licensed taxi drivers we represent or our passengers.
“We usually are not conscious of any drivers having been recruited and do not consider our members will even contemplate becoming a member of the app, given its well-documented poor document on the whole lot from passenger security to employees’ rights in London.”
He mentioned taxis can already be booked by way of a variety of apps similar to Gett, TaxiApp, FreeNow and ComCab.
Source: information.sky.com”