Uber ban divides opinion - how Telegraph readers, Londoners and black cab drivers reacted
Transport for London’s decision not to renew Uber’s licence has proved divisive with Londoners.
The authority has deemed the car-hailing app is "not fit and proper" to hold the licence in a decision today.
Announcing its ruling, TfL said: "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".
Uber has said it intends to immediately challenge the decision and has 21 days to lodge an appeal. If it does the service will continue to operate as normal until the challenge is finished. Otherwise its licence will expired on Saturday September 30.
Uber vs black cabs
The service has become popular with Londoners since it launched in the capital in 2012 due to its comparatively low fares. Uber says it now has 3.5 million London users and 40,000 drivers. As such the ruling has provoked a heated reaction online and on social media.
Telegraph readers were split on the decision
Uber - reader comments
On social media many Londoners have been left in disbelief
How can London be a 21st century city if it crushes 21st century innovation & new business models at the behest of a sodding Union? #Uber
— Emily Barley (@ThinkEmily) September 22, 2017
#TFL shows it’s not fit for purpose. It can’t stand to see #uber, an efficient, popular service in London not run by their monopoly.
— Simon Bates (@Happysam69) September 22, 2017
Back to paying through the nose for taxis & not being able to find one late at night! Bad day for consumers! ��������
— Andrew Byron (@AndrewByron) September 22, 2017
This is outrageous !!! What are we going to use now when we are reliant on them - we don't like other providers #uberrocks
— Rola Haddad (@Tikkyboo) September 22, 2017
40,000 unemployed. Win for protectionism. Why bother competing for customers when your Labour mayor will just banish the competitors? #Uber
— Ryan Hopkins (@RyanHopkins_) September 22, 2017
Some critics raised safety concerns
Loosing #Uber makes london more unsafe for young people, especially students who can't afford the ridiculous rates of black cabs.
— Lauren Powell (@powell6269) September 22, 2017
Are TfL going to speed up the night tube now?? How will people get home safely if #uber isn't there?! Black cabs are too expensive
— Foodie Flo (@foodieflo1985) September 22, 2017
TFL's decision was welcomed by other Londoners
Uber's tenure in the capital has not been without controversy and many had praise for TFL's decision.
Since its introduction Uber has faced fierce opposition from taxi drivers and other critics over its treatment of drivers and claims it has added to congestion.
The company has been criticised over the way it reports criminal offences and how medical certificates were obtained.
TfL said Uber had also failed to explain how it used "Greyball" a controversial software it has employed elsewhere to evade authorities.
Finally TFL has woken up undoubtedly the correct decision, well done.
— Stuart Reid (@Stuts75) September 22, 2017
Not sure why ppl are blaming Sadiq & TfL when Uber have been 100% aware of the rules they've been breaking. They could have changed & didn't
— L Janta-Lipinski (@jantalipinski) September 22, 2017
As the son of a black cab driver, I'm not too sad that Uber, whose passengers are at risk, might lose its licence.
— Josh Spero (@joshspero) September 22, 2017
A massive congratulations to ALL drivers G/B or Y/B,
ALL Orgs & affected families that fought back tirelessly.
Today justice was served.— United Cabbies Group (@UnitedCabbies) September 22, 2017