London’s transport authority, Transport for London (TFL), is considering an overhaul of rules governing mini-cabs for app-based taxi firms like Uber and Hailo.
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If the rules are adopted, Uber said in an email to users, it would be the “end of Uber you know and love”.
The earlier March consultation garnered a few 4,000 responses, and has been used to shape the proposals in the latest consultation, according to a TfL spokesman.
The proposed rules, contained in documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, set out what Transport for London calls a new vision for the future of the taxi and the private hire trade as a whole.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced on Wednesday that Uber and similar ride-sharing services would be legalised and regulated as a gen-uine competitor to taxis.
The RMT union, which represents a few London black cab drivers, welcomed the proposals.
On Tuesday evening, the news broke that TfL is planning a public consultation on a series of proposals that would hurt Uber’s business model (along with other ride-hailing apps).
TfL also proposes a limitation on ride-sharing, which is a direct hit against Uber’s UberPool service. “We understand that black cab drivers are feeling the pressure from services like Uber”, it says.
The body is now set to consult on new proposals for private hire cab firms which will ban or restrict a proportion of Uber’s key features.
Unions warned they would closely scrutinise the new regulations to make sure rights of drivers – both for Uber and taxi networks – weren’t eroded.
Over the past couple of years Uber has faced strong criticism from taxi drivers across Europe with protests being held in London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris.
The New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has issued 40 UberX drivers with suspension notices following a government crack-down on the illegal ride sharing service.
City staff will now develop regulations to level the playing field & ensure all drivers operate safely, fairly & within the rules. The petition received 38,965 signatures within a few hours.
Garrett Emmerson, from TfL, said: “No final decisions have been made and we’re keen to hear a range of views from the trade and from Londoners too”.
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The council said: “The city council requires CCTV in all taxis and private hire vehicles as part of measures to protect passengers and drivers, enhanced police checks for drivers, high training standards for drivers and the provision of wheelchair-accessible vehicles”.
