Uber drivers in London divided over ban threat

LONDON: Since he was forced to abandon his construction business in Iraq and move to London to escape the advance of the Islamic State group, the US ride-hailing app Uber has become Adam’s livelihood.

Now as the US ride-hailing app files an appeal against a ban from London, the 46year-old Iraqi is worried that his newfound stability could crumble.

Adam, who requested his surname not be published, passes his days connected to the app-from midday to 1.00 am on weekdays and until 3.00 am on weekends. “My life is Uber,” Adam told AFP. His work has enabled him to move out of his friend’s home, where he lived for free, and rent a studio apartment alone. Despite working seven days a week, he is pleased with Uber for helping him. “I am happy to pay tax, I feel I am a good citizen,” added Adam, a divorced father of two. After all expenses, he earns around £2,000 (2,200 euros, $2,600) a month with his Toyota Prius. ‘If Uber goes’

The value of Uber operating in the city has been questioned in recent weeks, after Transport for London (TfL) announced last month it would not be renewing the company’s license. The way the firm reports serious criminal offences and obtains criminal record checks for its driver contributed to the decision, which will affect around 40,000 drivers and 3.5 million customers in London.

Adam, who fears he will have to start again if Uber loses its appeal, said the ruling was “unfair” and described the app as “the safest transportation” in the city.