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Good news for Uber: damaging proposals against the minicab-hailing app have been dropped after the Mayor of London spoke out in support of the service.
Transport for London (TfL) had proposed a series of changes which would have a detrimental impact to the app’s operations.
Proposed changes included forcing Uber to get rid of the feature displaying how many cabs are available for immediate hire, introducing a service for users to pre-book up to seven days in advance and scrapping any carpooling service.
Boris Johnson condemned the ideas, saying that they “did not find widespread support” and would not be pursued further. As an alternative, TfL said they would consider making cabs pay £11.50 a day in keeping with the congestion charge and charging Uber and similar large operators more for a minicab license.
Mr Johnson deemed the decision was “a victory for common sense,” adding: “We’re pleased TfL has listened to the views of passengers and drivers, dropping the bonkers ideas proposed last year.”
Uber spokesperson Jo Bertram said: “We’re pleased Transport for London has listened to the views of passengers and drivers, dropping the bonkers ideas proposed last year like compulsory five minute wait times and banning showing cars in apps.
“It means Uber can continue to keep London moving with a convenient, safe and affordable ride at the push of a button.”
Uber is used by more than one million people in London and has more than 20,000 drivers in the capital since launching in 2012.
The app’s ever-increasing popularity has caused discontent from London’s more traditional black cab drivers and minicab operators who lost business to Uber.
TfL received 16,000 responses to the consultation and over 200,000 signed Uber’s petition opposing the proposals.
