Uber license renewal in London rejected

MANILA, Philippines – Uber’s attempt to apply for a new license in London has been rejected by transport authorities, saying that the company is not a “fit and proper” private car hire operator, reported The Guardian. 

Uber’s license will expire on September 30, but the company will immediately be trying to appeal and challenge the ruling. The company has 21 days to appeal and will be allowed to operate until those 21 days are over. 

The report said that the company’s renewal application was rejected because “Uber’s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility” in terms of reporting serious criminal offenses, securing medical certificates and doing background checks – incidents that Uber has historically gotten in trouble for. 

Another reason cited by London’s transport authority is the ride-hailing company’s use of Greyball, a controversial software used by Uber to evade authorities and regulatory bodies. 

London Mayor was quoted  by The Guardian as saying that all companies needed to “play by the rules.”

In the Philippines, the company clashed with the LTFRB, and was subsequently slapped with a month-long suspension that was lifted with a P10-million fine.

Like Uber in the Philippines, London’s Uber has also faced “criticism from unions, lawmakers and traditional black cab drivers over working conditions,” said the article. Some countries such as Denmark and Hungary have forced Uber to quit operations in their country. 

In light of the decision, Uber remained defiant, releasing a statement that said that the decision would “show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies.”

Uber mentioned that there are 3.5 million users of Uber in London, and the service has more than 40,000 licensed drivers. – Rappler.com