METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Uber loses license to operate in London

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.

September 25, 2017
Uber loses license to operate in London

 

2 min to read



Transport for London (TfL) informed Uber London Ltd. that it will not be issued with a private hire operator license after expiration of its current license at the end of September.

TfL's regulation of London's taxi and private hire trades is designed to ensure passenger safety. “Private hire operators must meet rigorous regulations, and demonstrate to TfL that they do so, in order to operate. TfL must also be satisfied that an operator is fit and proper to hold a license,” TfL said in a release.

Ad Loading...

TfL has concluded that Uber London Ltd. is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator license, the agency continued. 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, including:

  • Its approach to reporting serious criminal offences.

  • Its approach to how medical certificates are obtained.

  • Its approach to how Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained.

  • Its approach to explaining the use of Greyball in London — software that could be used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app and prevent officials from undertaking regulatory or law enforcement duties.

The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 includes provision to appeal a licensing decision within 21 days of it being communicated to the applicant. Uber London Ltd. can continue to operate until any appeal processes have been exhausted.

No further comment will be made by TfL pending any appeal of this decision.

More New Mobility

Luminator Charts a New Digital Path
Technologyby Alex RomanSeptember 14, 2026

From Hardware to Digital Partner: Luminator Charts Its Next Chapter

CEO Magnus Friberg discusses Luminator’s shift toward becoming a digital partner, the growing importance of software and interoperability, and how AI can help agencies improve operations and passenger experience.

Read More →
Rendering of an Alstom train in a VIA Rail Station
Technologyby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
A CharterUP branded Holon AV.
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 28, 2026

CharterUP’s Armir Harris on Technology, AI, and the Future of Group Mobility

In a recent episode of METROspectives, CharterUP Founder/CEO Armir Harris discussed the company’s evolution from an online charter bus marketplace into a technology platform supporting public- and private-sector mobility and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
The Future Hits the Road
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 17, 2026

Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation

Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.

Read More →
Luminator software product example
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsAugust 14, 2026

Biz Briefs: Luminator Marks Milestone and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
An LA Metro bus and railcar.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanAugust 7, 2026

New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick

Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Innovative Solutions Awards: DART, Kuba Pay Launch Next-Gen Fare Payment
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 5, 2026

How DART's GoPass Is Redefining Regional Mobility

Serving 14 transit agencies, GoPass simplifies multimodal travel by allowing riders to plan, pay for, and manage an entire trip through one app.

Read More →
An OCTA ZEB.
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
A CharterUP branded Holon AV.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

CharterUP Expands Into New Mobility and Autonomous Transportation

Vice President of New Mobility Stephen Joos discusses how CharterUP is leveraging its nationwide transportation network, technology platform, and autonomous vehicle partnerships to expand into workforce mobility, campus shuttles, and transit solutions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →