The Columbus Dispatch

Uber to lose license to work in London

- By Danica Kirka

LONDON — Uber will lose its license to operate in London because it may be endangerin­g public safety and security, the local regulator said Friday, in a severe blow to a company already facing big questions over its corporate culture.

The company, which has been beset by a litany of scandals over its management style — from accusation­s of sexism to the illegal use of software to trick regulators — was told it was not “fit and proper” to keep operating in London, where it has 3.5 million passengers and 40,000 drivers.

“TfL considers that Uber’s approach and conduct demonstrat­e a lack of corporate responsibi­lity in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implicatio­ns,” the regulator said in a statement.

Transport for London cited instances in which Uber failed to report serious criminal offences as well as its penchant to deceive regulators in its decision to not renew its license when it expires on Sept. 30. Uber will appeal, during which time it can continue operating.

The decision startled many — even though the ride-hailing business has many critics. The city’s black cab drivers — who spend years learning the city streets to pass the famed Knowledge test — objected to the interloper­s who undercut their business. Unions objected to the company’s treatment of its workforce.

 ??  ??
 ?? PRESS] [ERIC RISBERG/THE ASSOCIATED ?? Transport for London says it won’t renew a license for Uber to operate in the British capital.
PRESS] [ERIC RISBERG/THE ASSOCIATED Transport for London says it won’t renew a license for Uber to operate in the British capital.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States