LONDON, Nov 29 (Reuters) – Ride-hailing company Uber (UBER.N) will open its platform to London’s black taxis early next year, it said on Wednesday, partnering with drivers of the British capital’s iconic cabs. It was suggested that the relationship would improve dramatically. taxi.
In recent years, London’s black taxi drivers, who had to pass a test known as “Knowledge” that required them to memorize thousands of routes around the city, blocked roads in protests against the ride-hailing service.
At the time, they argued that Uber’s app-based ordering and demand-driven pricing threatened their livelihoods.
Black cabs are the only vehicles in London that can pick up passengers from the city’s streets and taxi ranks, and can also be booked through other apps.
The new service, to be rolled out in early 2024, follows nearly a decade of tension between the two companies, including an unsuccessful legal challenge by black taxi drivers to Uber’s London license in 2019. It is.
Uber UK general manager Andrew Brem said in a statement: “Black Cabs are an iconic part of the capital, loved by Londoners and tourists alike, and we’re proud to be working together.” said.
Under the new arrangement, black taxi drivers are offered work through Uber at a predetermined price range, which they can accept or decline. Uber will not charge black taxi drivers a fee for the first six months of the contract.
Uber said in May that it was seeing an influx of European taxi drivers onto its platform, led by the continent’s biggest markets, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain.
Hamed Hamedi, the first London taxi driver to sign with Uber, said: “Uber opening its doors to black cabs is a big deal for the industry, as more passengers are now using the app than ever before.” It will be an advantage.”
“Ultimately, if more passengers book trips, there will be more cash for taxis.”
Reported by Farouk Suleiman.Editing: William James and Tomasz Janowski
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