After Uber apology, London mayor welcomes talks

Following Uber’s failure to get its London private hire operator licence renewed after September 30, the ride hailing app company’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has apologised via an open letter. This has led to London mayor Sadiq Khan (pic above) urging Transport for London (TfL) to hold talks with Uber.

“While Uber has revolutionised the way people move in cities around the world, it’s equally true that we’ve got things wrong along the way. On behalf of everyone at Uber globally, I apologise for the mistakes we’ve made,” said Khosrowshahi, the ex-head of Expedia that was brought in last month to replace Uber founder Travis Kalanick as CEO after a series of PR disasters.

“We will appeal this decision on behalf of millions of Londoners, but we do so with the knowledge that we must also change. As Uber’s new CEO, it is my job to help Uber write its next chapter. We won’t be perfect, but we will listen to you; we will look to be long term partners with the cities we serve; and we will run our business with humility, integrity and passion,” he added, hinting at mistakes made under the previous regime.

“You have my commitment that we will work with London to make things right and keep this great global city moving safely,” he ended.

According to the BBC, Khan welcomed Khosrowshahi’s apology. “Even though there is a legal process in place, I have asked TfL to make themselves available to meet with him,” the mayor, who is the chairman of TfL, said. A spokesman for TfL later said that the local government body responsible for the transport system in Greater London “are always available and happy to meet at any time.”

In refusing to renew Uber’s license to operate in Britain’s capital, TfL said that the ride hailing app company is lacking in safety measures and is “not fit and proper” enough to hold a license.

TfL found issues with Uber’s lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications. It was also not satisfied with Uber’s approach to reporting serious criminal offences, its approach to how medical certificates are obtained, and its approach to how Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained.

Previously, Uber was made to admit that it used Greyball, a secret program to avoid law enforcement. Greyball was designed to identify law enforcement officials, and show them a fake app interface that made it much harder to book rides. Uber’s approach to explaining the use of Greyball in London is also an issue, TfL says.

In response to TfL’s decision, Khan said: “I fully support TfL’s decision – it would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security.

“I want London to be at the forefront of innovation and new technology and to be a natural home for exciting new companies that help Londoners by providing a better and more affordable service. However, all companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high standards we expect – particularly when it comes to the safety of customers.”

Uber can appeal the decision, and will be able to operate until all forms of appeal have been exhausted. Some 3.5 million passengers and 40,000 drivers use the Uber app in London, and over Over 780,000 people have signed an online petition to “Save Your Uber in London”.

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