|
Following months of demonstrations from drivers of the capital's
famous black cabs, public body Transport for London (TfL)
launched a consultation last year on a raft of proposals to
restrict the way private hire firms operate.
In January, it decided against imposing a five-minute wait time
for rides on customers of services such as Uber, which allows
customers to book and pay for a taxi on their smartphones, but
said that it would bring in measures including compulsory
language tests.
In recent months, the regulator has provided more detail
including that drivers should have English reading and writing
skills, that private hire firms must operate a London call
center and drivers must have insurance for vehicles even when
they are not being used as private hire cars.
“The goalposts have moved at the last minute and new rules are
now being introduced that will be bad for both drivers and tech
companies like Uber,” its London General Manager Tom Elvidge
said.
Rapidly expanding tech start-ups are having to navigate
regulations and opposition from some unions and existing service
providers around the world.
Earlier this week, food delivery firm Deliveroo said British
riders could opt out of its new payment system after it became
the latest firm to face criticism for the employment terms given
to its staff.
Uber, whose investors include Goldman Sachs and Alphabet Inc
unit Google and is valued at $62.5 billion, said it backed
drivers being able to speak English but the proposed tests were
too rigorous.
The firm, which opened a new call center in Ireland earlier this
year, is also opposed to setting up a London call center, which
TfL's rules say must be in place from Oct. 1.
The transport authority said it would defend its proposals in
court.
“These have been introduced to enhance public safety when using
private hire services and we are determined to create a vibrant
taxi and private hire market with space for all providers to
flourish," a spokesman said.
(Editing by Estelle Shirbon)
[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2016 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
