For centuries, black cabs have complied with regulations, which are now set byTfL. Those regulations have produced the safest, most experienced, most honourable cab service in the world.
Uber cabs operate at way below that standard. They are wild, lawless, inexperienced and also unhygienic, (peeing in private gardens?) but Uber’s UK manager, Jo Bertram, is unconcerned about the vast room for improvement. Her attutude is, sure Uber standards are bad, so let’s drag black cabs down to the same grotsville level. That way we’ll have a level playing field, we’ll all suck.
She is bitterly critical of the tougher regs. that TfL want to impose on Uber, particularly the new 5 minute waiting time, claiming that the wait will cost drivers money. Costing money is the only argument that cuts any ice withUber. Jo may give lip service to the concept of public safety, but they treat their drivers like rubbish, and every indication is the public don’t rank any higher in their estimation.
The proposal document statement that the five minute wait is to ‘reduce the risk of a customer getting into the wrong car and/or into an unlicensed vehicle’, and to prevent passenger pick-up from an unsafe location is therefore falling on deaf ears.
On LBC today, Boris Johnson came right out and said that the government “was besotted with”Californian tech Titans who don’t pay tax”. For that reason, they would not agree to limiting PHVs however bad pollution and congestion gets. This insane decision is just one in a series of insane decisions made by the government recently, with Boris the only voice of reason.
Jo Bertram needs to accept it is TfL in the driving seat, not Uber. It is not for her to dictate what the standards of our cab service should be. London doesn’t want a lower standard, less regulated cab service. We are proud of the brilliant reliability, honour and integrity of our black cab drivers.
You want a TfL licence? Follow TfL regs. Jo. This is TfL’s ball game and they are calling the shots. You don’t like it, you can leave.
I dont believe a word from boris johnson or tfl because they’re willing to distroy our 3 hundred year old industry by siding with a third class mini cab company.
From the outset Johnson has shown little or no support for this trade. But now miraculously he see’s an opportunity to use our plight as a political weapon against future election candidate’s for the Tory party.
I’m older now but not cynical in the least…just wiser!! Trust this man at your peril
The same Mayor who told a cabbie to go and die, on the same week a cabbie lost he’s life in a road accident. This Man is in with the corruption within Tories
5 minute waiting time!! The UK’s Taxi industry has to move with the times. Lets face it black taxi’s are ripping people off. Now they complain cos people can get cheaper caps without standing out on the road flaggin them down. If uber drivers have a 5 minute waiting time then so should every other taxi service.
How can black cabs be ripping people off when they don’t set their own fares?
Fares of black cabs are set by TfL.
Uber is renowned for disobeying regulations, that is why they arebeing sued all over the world.
Boris Johnson has been trying to limit PHVs forever, but it takes legislation to do that. George Osborne is refusing to allow that Legislation. https://cyberboris.wordpress.com/2015/11/20/when-will-enough-be-enough-re-phvs-george-osborne/
https://cyberboris.wordpress.com/2015/11/12/boris-furious-that-gov-refuses-to-allow-primary-legislation-to-limit-phvs/
The cheap fares of Uber are based on criminality. https://cyberboris.wordpress.com/2015/11/18/dodgy-dealers-uber-cheap-fares-are-based-on-criminality/
Boris is fedup with the government interference in Uber situation, wrecking London traffic.
https://cyberboris.wordpress.com/2015/11/06/boris-blows-his-top-and-rips-lid-off-government-interference-re-uber/
And one more point. Jo Bertram needs to understand that a TfL licence means accepting TfL regs!
https://cyberboris.wordpress.com/2015/11/04/uber-needs-to-accept-a-tfl-licence-means-tfl-regs/