London Regulators Strip Uber of Operating License Over Safety Failures
Transport for London revokes Uber's license due to a pattern of safety failures, though the ride-hailing firm plans to appeal and continue operating normally.
Transport for London (TfL) strips Uber of its license to operate in the city, citing a pattern of failures that puts passenger safety at risk. The regulator acknowledges that Uber makes positive changes to its leadership and systems, but expresses a lack of confidence that safety breaches will not reoccur in the future. This ruling deals a massive blow to Uber in its largest European market.
Uber immediately announces plans to appeal the decision, labeling the move as extraordinary and wrong. Because of this appeal process, nothing changes for the 3.5 million riders and 45,000 licensed drivers who currently use the app in London. The company insists it sets the standard on safety and points out that TfL finds it to be a fit and proper operator just two months prior.
This is not the first time Uber faces regulatory trouble in London, as TfL previously suspends the company's license in 2017 over similar safety concerns. Since then, Uber operates on temporary permits while working to improve its reputation under CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. The ride-sharing giant now has 21 days to file its formal appeal against the ban.