London cabbies to protest over smartphone app.
Discussion
It's understandable that the drivers union want to look out for the interests of their members but I love the way they are spinning this into a 'oh we're worried about the safety of the passengers' story.
The private drivers who use this service will still have all the relevant insurance and have undergone crb checking (or whatever the new crb system is called). So how is this a safety issue?
Has anyone here used this app? From the customers pov it seems like quite a good idea.
The private drivers who use this service will still have all the relevant insurance and have undergone crb checking (or whatever the new crb system is called). So how is this a safety issue?
Has anyone here used this app? From the customers pov it seems like quite a good idea.
independant said:
Uber: London's black cabs plan 'severe chaos' for capital in protest against taxi app
London’s black cabs have promised to bring “chaos, congestion and confusion” to London as a protest against the growing presence of smartphone taxi service Uber.
The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) has said that the apps that Uber’s drivers use to find passengers and calculate their fares count as taximeters – devices that are illegal to be installed in private vehicles.
The LTDA has complained to Transport for London (TfL), but the government body has said that Uber’s vehicles are not “equipped” with taximeters since there was no “connection between the device and the vehicle”.
LTDA have rejected this evaluation and are threatening to seek a judicial review with Steve McNamara, the association’s general secretary, describing the situation as “dangerous for Londoners”.
Mr McNamara told the BBC that London’s black cab drivers were planning to gridlock in the city some time in early June.
"I anticipate that the demonstration against TfL's handling of Uber will attract many many thousands of cabs and cause severe chaos, congestion and confusion across the metropolis,” he said.
The dispute is only the latest internationally between Uber and taxi services worldwide. The Silicon Valley startup has been banned in Brussels; is currently facing a court battle in Berlin, and has been the subject of numerous protests in cities across the US and in Paris.
The San Francisco-based company describes itself only as a “pick-up” service that connects passengers with background-checked private drivers. Launched five years ago, the company now operates in more than 100 cities across 30 countries, launching in London in 2012 and in Manchester this week.
The company’s smartphone app allows users to order taxis, see who their driver will be, and track the arrival of their car - features that have been replicated by the likes of Hailo and Kabbee, who offer smartphone apps to connect passengers to black cabs and minicabs respectively
The LTDA have described Uber as “an American monster that has no qualms about breaching any and all laws in the pursuit of profit, most of which will never see a penny of tax paid in the UK.”
The smartphone app has received backing from the likes of Goldman Sachs and Google. The latter recently updated their Google Maps app (included as default in 80 per cent of smartphones worldwide) to offer Uber’s services where available.
Uber’s general manager in London, Jo Bertram, told the BBC that the company rejected the LTDA’s characterisation and that competition was “always good for the customers because it makes all of us up our game in terms of quality and service.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/londons-black-cabs-plan-severe-chaos-for-capital-in-protest-against-taxi-app-uber-9339404.htmlLondon’s black cabs have promised to bring “chaos, congestion and confusion” to London as a protest against the growing presence of smartphone taxi service Uber.
The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) has said that the apps that Uber’s drivers use to find passengers and calculate their fares count as taximeters – devices that are illegal to be installed in private vehicles.
The LTDA has complained to Transport for London (TfL), but the government body has said that Uber’s vehicles are not “equipped” with taximeters since there was no “connection between the device and the vehicle”.
LTDA have rejected this evaluation and are threatening to seek a judicial review with Steve McNamara, the association’s general secretary, describing the situation as “dangerous for Londoners”.
Mr McNamara told the BBC that London’s black cab drivers were planning to gridlock in the city some time in early June.
"I anticipate that the demonstration against TfL's handling of Uber will attract many many thousands of cabs and cause severe chaos, congestion and confusion across the metropolis,” he said.
The dispute is only the latest internationally between Uber and taxi services worldwide. The Silicon Valley startup has been banned in Brussels; is currently facing a court battle in Berlin, and has been the subject of numerous protests in cities across the US and in Paris.
The San Francisco-based company describes itself only as a “pick-up” service that connects passengers with background-checked private drivers. Launched five years ago, the company now operates in more than 100 cities across 30 countries, launching in London in 2012 and in Manchester this week.
The company’s smartphone app allows users to order taxis, see who their driver will be, and track the arrival of their car - features that have been replicated by the likes of Hailo and Kabbee, who offer smartphone apps to connect passengers to black cabs and minicabs respectively
The LTDA have described Uber as “an American monster that has no qualms about breaching any and all laws in the pursuit of profit, most of which will never see a penny of tax paid in the UK.”
The smartphone app has received backing from the likes of Goldman Sachs and Google. The latter recently updated their Google Maps app (included as default in 80 per cent of smartphones worldwide) to offer Uber’s services where available.
Uber’s general manager in London, Jo Bertram, told the BBC that the company rejected the LTDA’s characterisation and that competition was “always good for the customers because it makes all of us up our game in terms of quality and service.”
BBC said:
Uber app taxi row referred to London's High Court
London's transport authority has announced it does not believe Uber's car service is breaking the law by using an app to determine charges.
However, Transport for London added it would invite the High Court to give a binding ruling on the matter "given the level of concern among the trade".
The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) has claimed the app equates to being a taximeter, which private vehicles are not allowed to use.
It plans a demonstration on 11 June.
The organisation announced the action earlier this month, saying it intended to cause "severe congestion and traffic chaos for large parts of central London".
It confirmed that TfL's announcement would not change its plans.
High Court ruling
The controversy centres on an app provided to Uber's drivers - which is separate from the one used by the public - that calculates the journey distance and time taken, and then relays this information to remote computer servers to determine the fee.
TfL's decision is based on the fact that Uber's kit does not require a physical connection between the device and the vehicle, as is the case with the equipment used by black cabs.
However, it added that "the rapid pace at which smartphone-based technology has been developing in recent years" meant the matter should be referred to a judge.
"We will be asking the High Court to provide a binding ruling," added Leon Daniels, TfL's managing director of surface transport.
This is the sensible approach, and we hope that London's taxi drivers and private hire drivers and operators will work with us to bring clarity on this issue."
However, LTDA is in no mood to co-operate, and highlights the fact that the handsets Uber provides to drivers are blocked from making calls.
"The taxi trade have no confidence in TfL and its legal team whatsoever and we will be issuing proceedings of our own," its general secretary Steve McNamara told the BBC.
"This attitude demonstrates why we are being forced to demonstrate. TfL is simply not fit for purpose."
However, Uber's London manager proved more receptive.
"We very much welcome TfL's announcement today bringing clarity and confirming that TfL and Uber fully share the vision that technology should be a key driver in changing the way people are moving around their city, improving the experience for both riders as well as drivers," said Jo Bertram.
Driverless Uber
San Francisco-based Uber describes itself as a "pick-up" service that connects those needing a ride with a background-checked private driver. It then takes a cut - typically 20% - of the fee.
It now operates in more than 100 cities across 30 countries. In the UK it covers London and Manchester, but has plans to expand to a further four or five cities over the next year.
The firm highlights both the safety features offered to customers - letting them see the name and photo of the driver before they arrive - as well as offering the drivers themselves the flexibility to set their own hours and the area where they want to work.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27617079London's transport authority has announced it does not believe Uber's car service is breaking the law by using an app to determine charges.
However, Transport for London added it would invite the High Court to give a binding ruling on the matter "given the level of concern among the trade".
The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) has claimed the app equates to being a taximeter, which private vehicles are not allowed to use.
It plans a demonstration on 11 June.
The organisation announced the action earlier this month, saying it intended to cause "severe congestion and traffic chaos for large parts of central London".
It confirmed that TfL's announcement would not change its plans.
High Court ruling
The controversy centres on an app provided to Uber's drivers - which is separate from the one used by the public - that calculates the journey distance and time taken, and then relays this information to remote computer servers to determine the fee.
TfL's decision is based on the fact that Uber's kit does not require a physical connection between the device and the vehicle, as is the case with the equipment used by black cabs.
However, it added that "the rapid pace at which smartphone-based technology has been developing in recent years" meant the matter should be referred to a judge.
"We will be asking the High Court to provide a binding ruling," added Leon Daniels, TfL's managing director of surface transport.
This is the sensible approach, and we hope that London's taxi drivers and private hire drivers and operators will work with us to bring clarity on this issue."
However, LTDA is in no mood to co-operate, and highlights the fact that the handsets Uber provides to drivers are blocked from making calls.
"The taxi trade have no confidence in TfL and its legal team whatsoever and we will be issuing proceedings of our own," its general secretary Steve McNamara told the BBC.
"This attitude demonstrates why we are being forced to demonstrate. TfL is simply not fit for purpose."
However, Uber's London manager proved more receptive.
"We very much welcome TfL's announcement today bringing clarity and confirming that TfL and Uber fully share the vision that technology should be a key driver in changing the way people are moving around their city, improving the experience for both riders as well as drivers," said Jo Bertram.
Driverless Uber
San Francisco-based Uber describes itself as a "pick-up" service that connects those needing a ride with a background-checked private driver. It then takes a cut - typically 20% - of the fee.
It now operates in more than 100 cities across 30 countries. In the UK it covers London and Manchester, but has plans to expand to a further four or five cities over the next year.
The firm highlights both the safety features offered to customers - letting them see the name and photo of the driver before they arrive - as well as offering the drivers themselves the flexibility to set their own hours and the area where they want to work.
Rovinghawk said:
BBC interviews with taxi drivers aren't always what they expect..............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atfNL0_KAcs
That video never gets old. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atfNL0_KAcs
Glad to see Labour focusing on the big issues again.
Labour Could Ban Uber App Over Tax Avoidance Fears
Labour Could Ban Uber App Over Tax Avoidance Fears
Boris isn't beating around the bush, but it hasn't gone down very well. I'm not sure what the cabbies expect him to do - revoking Uber's licence Boris says would be unlawful.
Boris Johnson defends 'market forces' killing black cab trade
Boris Johnson defends 'market forces' killing black cab trade
article said:
The London mayor faced down jeers and abuse from an audience of cabbies as he defended the "market forces" that threaten to put the historic trade out of business.
"You are dealing with a huge economic force which is consumer choice and the taxi trade needs to recognise that," he told a meeting of the London Assembly.
"Everywhere I go I see yellow lights and I can see the taxi trade is dying and it grieves me, but it is very, very difficult to fight a huge change in consumer preference."
"You are dealing with a huge economic force which is consumer choice and the taxi trade needs to recognise that," he told a meeting of the London Assembly.
"Everywhere I go I see yellow lights and I can see the taxi trade is dying and it grieves me, but it is very, very difficult to fight a huge change in consumer preference."
article said:
"I'm afraid it is a tragic fact that there are now more than a million people in this city who have the Uber app, " he said to jeers from dozens of cabbies in the public gallery.
Faced with shouts about Uber drivers undercutting cabbies he shouted: "Yes they are. It's called the free market."
Faced with shouts about Uber drivers undercutting cabbies he shouted: "Yes they are. It's called the free market."
article said:
However, Boris's refusal to take any further action against Uber means London now faces what cabbies described today as "the biggest ever taxi protest" next Tuesday.
Previous protests over the issue have brought London to a halt.
Responding to the threat of protest, Johnson replied: " There's a rail strike on Tuesday you might get some fares."
Johnson previously had a lot of support among London taxi drivers, even enlisting some to distribute 'Back Boris' receipts during his first mayoral campaign.
However he was left visibly shaken today as received shouts of "clown" and "joke" from the assembled cabbies with one shouting "I voted for you once, I must have been on drugs," while another shouted. "You want to be PM? You're a joke."
Previous protests over the issue have brought London to a halt.
Responding to the threat of protest, Johnson replied: " There's a rail strike on Tuesday you might get some fares."
Johnson previously had a lot of support among London taxi drivers, even enlisting some to distribute 'Back Boris' receipts during his first mayoral campaign.
However he was left visibly shaken today as received shouts of "clown" and "joke" from the assembled cabbies with one shouting "I voted for you once, I must have been on drugs," while another shouted. "You want to be PM? You're a joke."
Boris referred to them as 'Luddites' then the black cab drivers rather proved his point.
article said:
Police were called in and a member of City Hall security staff has been knocked unconscious in a scuffle outside the building. London Ambulance Service confirmed that they took one patient to hospital “for minor injuries”. The taxi drivers were protesting outside City Hall and in the public gallery about a long-running dispute over the differences in the way that TfL regulates black cabs, compared to the car journey app Uber. Taxi drivers say a lack of regulation is putting public safety at risk.
The event had already got off to a rocky start for Boris when it emerged he knew nothing about proposals to cut all police community support officers (PCSOs). London Assembly member Joanne McCartney said: “You’re the Chair of MOPAC. That is astonishing.” Then, in front of a crowd of taxi drivers bearing protest banners, the Mayor was asked a question aboutelectric cabs - and responded with: “Can I just say to all the luddites in the room who don’t want to see new technology -” at which point he was cut off with whistles and jeers.
Read more at: http://www.london24.com/news/politics/mayor_s_ques...
Copyright © LONDON24
The event had already got off to a rocky start for Boris when it emerged he knew nothing about proposals to cut all police community support officers (PCSOs). London Assembly member Joanne McCartney said: “You’re the Chair of MOPAC. That is astonishing.” Then, in front of a crowd of taxi drivers bearing protest banners, the Mayor was asked a question aboutelectric cabs - and responded with: “Can I just say to all the luddites in the room who don’t want to see new technology -” at which point he was cut off with whistles and jeers.
Read more at: http://www.london24.com/news/politics/mayor_s_ques...
Copyright © LONDON24
order-order.com said:
The black cabbies’ union has launched a PR offensive to convince Londoners they are willing to modernise, vowing to spark “London’s taxi revolution” with super-fast wifi, credit card payments and ranks outside night tube stops. All sensible, consumer-friendly suggestions from the black cab industry, which needs to innovate to keep up with the competition.
Unfortunate then that a group of cabbies are also crowdfunding legal action against new TfL rules to install credit card machines in their cars. Despite the fact that there is huge public demand for this service, Action For Cabbies is asking for £300,000 to challenge TfL over the machines in court. Publicly they want to look like modernisers, less publicly they’re challenging the very same modernisations they claim to support. Why could they possibly be so keen to make sure they’re only paid in cash?
http://order-order.com/2016/04/07/cabbies-try-to-block-card-machines-in-cabs/Unfortunate then that a group of cabbies are also crowdfunding legal action against new TfL rules to install credit card machines in their cars. Despite the fact that there is huge public demand for this service, Action For Cabbies is asking for £300,000 to challenge TfL over the machines in court. Publicly they want to look like modernisers, less publicly they’re challenging the very same modernisations they claim to support. Why could they possibly be so keen to make sure they’re only paid in cash?
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