London's Transport Regulator has said it would not renew Uber's license when it expires on September 30. The capital's transport regulator said that Uber's approach and conduct was not fit and proper to hold a private vehicle hire licence.
The Regulator was not happy with Uber's approach in reporting serious criminal offences, background checks on drivers and its software, called Greyball, that could be used to block regulators from gaining full access to the app.
Uber, which has 40,000 drivers and 3.5 million users in the capital, said it would contest the decision. Uber can operate until the appeals process is exhausted, which could take months.
Uber, a San-Francisco based start-up which is valued at about $70 billion and whose investors include Goldman Sachs, has faced protests around the world for shaking up long-established taxi markets.
The taxi app has also been forced to quit several countries, including Denmark and Hungary, and faced regulatory battles in multiple US states and around the world.
Uber, a San-Francisco based start-up which is valued at about $70 billion and whose investors include Goldman Sachs, has faced protests around the world for shaking up long-established taxi markets.
The taxi app has also been forced to quit several countries, including Denmark and Hungary, and faced regulatory battles in multiple US states and around the world.
London's traditional black cab drivers have attacked Uber, saying it has undercut safety rules and threatened their livelihoods. Uber has been criticised by unions and politicians too and been embroiled in legal battles over workers' rights.
Uber has already appealed against the court verdict that granted two of its drivers rights such as the minimum wage bringing to the fore the battle between firms that promote the concept of "self-employed" drivers and unions accusing them of exploitation.
Uber has, however, announced a series of changes over the last few months to improve conditions for its drivers, including the introduction of in-app tipping and plans to increase some fees.
Surely, if Uber is finally denied a license, the Uber's drivers and some of London's 3.5 million registered will be extremely affected. (Source: Sydney Morning Herald)
In India too Uber has faced a lot of criticism regarding its fare, high handedness, conduct of drivers etc.. It was first introduced in Begaluru and has expanded to 10 Indian cities. Even in India it came under the scanner of RBI for flouting its norms. Delhi government banned it only to be lifted by the High Court.
Surge pricing, meaning charging more during peak demand, used by Uber, and some others, were stopped after notice from the Delhi government.
As it acts only as an interface, through its App, between the user (customer ) and provider (taxi drivers ) it has managed to ride above all the criticism, so far. There has been lot of talk, by the governments, but little in action against Uber for the numerous complaints.
In India, in spite of some unsavory incidents, App or mobile based taxi services have a large client base, an expression of their displeasure to traditional taxi services.Through suitable modification to existing laws they can be made more accountable, and therefore, more dependable and reasonable.
Uber has already appealed against the court verdict that granted two of its drivers rights such as the minimum wage bringing to the fore the battle between firms that promote the concept of "self-employed" drivers and unions accusing them of exploitation.
Uber has, however, announced a series of changes over the last few months to improve conditions for its drivers, including the introduction of in-app tipping and plans to increase some fees.
Surely, if Uber is finally denied a license, the Uber's drivers and some of London's 3.5 million registered will be extremely affected. (Source: Sydney Morning Herald)
In India too Uber has faced a lot of criticism regarding its fare, high handedness, conduct of drivers etc.. It was first introduced in Begaluru and has expanded to 10 Indian cities. Even in India it came under the scanner of RBI for flouting its norms. Delhi government banned it only to be lifted by the High Court.
Surge pricing, meaning charging more during peak demand, used by Uber, and some others, were stopped after notice from the Delhi government.
As it acts only as an interface, through its App, between the user (customer ) and provider (taxi drivers ) it has managed to ride above all the criticism, so far. There has been lot of talk, by the governments, but little in action against Uber for the numerous complaints.
In India, in spite of some unsavory incidents, App or mobile based taxi services have a large client base, an expression of their displeasure to traditional taxi services.Through suitable modification to existing laws they can be made more accountable, and therefore, more dependable and reasonable.
