Uber plans to allow black-cab drivers to use its ride-hailing app starting next year, however, the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has opposed the move due to it not being consulted.
The LTDA believes that joining Uber would tarnish the reputation of the trade. Despite this, a small number of black-cab drivers have already signed up with Uber, and the company hopes to recruit several hundred more by January.
The LTDA’s Steve McNamara argues that there is no demand for this partnership among the drivers it represents, as they have seen significant growth and investment in the industry since the pandemic. They also criticize Uber’s track record on passenger safety and workers’ rights in London.
Uber maintains that it operates within the law in the city and that black-cab drivers who have signed up believe that app bookings will benefit them by providing more job opportunities and more money.
However, some black-cab drivers stood with McNamara, and have rrefused to join Uber because they believe that London black cabs are superior.
Uber is offering black cab drivers who sign up six months of free commission for bookings on their app, but some drivers have expressed doubt, claiming that Uber initially attracted passengers with cheap fares and then increased them later on.
