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Londoners can soon book iconic black cabs through Uber

By Nithya Bose in UK Business News, posted November 29, 2023

Uber will soon offer London’s famous black cab services, allowing people to book through its app starting early next year.

The move has already seen a "small number" of taxi drivers signing up.

Uber aims to recruit "several hundred" more by January.

Prominent figures in the black cab industry have frequently expressed concern over Uber's growth, which has traditionally provided minicab services.

Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) said there is “no demand” from passengers for a partnership.

He accused Uber of trying to use black cabs to "reinvigorate their ailing business model."

Uber will offer an estimated price for people using the app to book black cabs.

However, the actual fare will be based on the metered rate plus a £2 booking fee retained by Uber.

Uber says it won’t levy commission charges on new drivers for their initial six months.

However, the fee structure remains undisclosed.

Uber’s UK general manager, Andrew Brem, said: “We’re partnering with taxi drivers across the world and the message we are hearing from them is clear: Uber and taxis are better together.

“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: helping London cab drivers earn more, boosting travel options for passengers, and making London’s transport network more efficient.”

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Uber said its app facilitates bookings for taxi journeys in Paris, New York, Rome and other major cities in 33 countries.

“There is no demand for this partnership"

Mr McNamara said: “There is no demand for this partnership from the London licensed taxi drivers we represent or our passengers.

“We are not aware of any drivers having been recruited and don’t believe our members will even consider joining the app, given its well-documented poor record on everything from passenger safety to workers’ rights in London.”

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