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Uber Faces £250 Million Legal Battle With London Black Cab Drivers

By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted May 2, 2024

Uber is facing a legal case in London worth £250 million, filed on behalf of nearly 11,000 black cab drivers.

The lawsuit alleges the ride-hailing giant deliberately misled Transport for London (TfL) about its app to secure a license in the city.

RGL Management is the litigation management firm representing the claimants.

It estimates the case's value at £250 million, with individual drivers potentially receiving £25,000 each.

The group action focuses on Uber's operations in London between May 2012 and March 2018.

An Uber's spokesperson said: “These old claims are completely unfounded.

“Uber operates lawfully in London, is fully licensed by TfL, and is proud to serve millions of passengers and drivers across the capital.”

The claimants accuse Uber of unlawfully attempting to take business from black cab drivers, causing loss of earnings.

Garry White, a 36-year-old black cab driver, said: "Uber seems to believe it is above the law and cabbies across London have suffered loss of earnings because of it.

"It is time they were held to account.”

Law firm Mishcon de Reya represents the drivers in the High Court case.

TfL did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Uber has encountered numerous challenges in London and other cities.

Uber holds two-and-a-half-year license to operate in London, which expires in September 2024

In 2017, TfL refused to renew Uber's license.

It cited a lack of corporate responsibility that had implications for public safety and security.

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Despite Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's apology and promise to dispute the decision, Uber's license was again denied in 2019 but later successfully appealed.

Uber now holds a two-and-a-half-year license to operate in London, which expires at the end of September 2024.

The company has also faced protests from London's black cab drivers, who allege Uber has undermined their livelihoods.

Earlier this year, Uber settled a lawsuit in Australia for A$271.8 million (£141.7 million) to resolve claims from over 8,000 taxi and hire car owners and drivers alleging income losses due to Uber's aggressive expansion.

The company also won a lawsuit by 2,500 taxi drivers in France, where a Paris court ruled it had not engaged in unfair competition.

Uber, founded in 2009, operates in around 70 countries and over 10,000 cities worldwide.

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