Londoners react to Uber losing its license (TWEETS)
Londoners have taken to social media with a mixture of fury and delight after Transport for London (TfL) announced it would not renew Uber’s license in the British capital as the company is “not fit and proper” to hold one.
TfL said the taxi-hailing app had demonstrated “a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications.”
Its current license expires on September 30.
Uber, which has about 40,000 drivers in the capital, has already announced it will appeal the decision. TfL says Uber can operate until all appeals are exhausted.
The firm has faced criticism from unions, lawmakers and traditional black cab drivers over working conditions and accusations that it does not do enough to regulate drivers. Opponents also claim it causes gridlocked roads.
Globally, Uber has endured a tumultuous few months after a string of scandals involving allegations of sexism and bullying at the company, leading to investor pressure which forced out former CEO and co-founder Travis Kalanick.
Many showed their support on social media for Uber’s ban. Twitter user Emily Reynolds said: “If you liked being sad that Uber lost its license’ you may also like ‘a complete disregard for sexual assault victims and workers rights.’”
IF YOU LIKED 'being sad that Uber lost its license'
— Emily Reynolds (@rey_z) September 22, 2017
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE 'a complete disregard for sexual assault victims and workers rights'
I bet the Black cab taxi drivers are doing Somersaults round London #uber#London
— Richard Hammond (@Richard_hammond) September 22, 2017
Jonn Elledge tweeted: “Hot take: If Uber wanted to keep its licence, it shouldn’t have replied ‘LOL no’ every time TfL asked it to improve something.”
Hot take: If Uber wanted to keep its licence, it shouldn't have replied "LOL no" every time TfL asked it to improve something.
— Jonn Elledge (@JonnElledge) September 22, 2017
Many have interpreted the decision as a “big win” for workers’ rights. Twitter user Ben said: “Great result! Poor treatment of workers will not be tolerated.”
Nick Atkins tweeted: “Well done TfL. Corporate responsibility for workers and passengers first.”
Well done @TfL Corporate responsibility for workers and passengers first! Uber London licence not renewed - BBC News https://t.co/R6RqEZ1aOQ
— Nick Atkins (@NickPAtkins) September 22, 2017
Twitter user Tom said Uber “needs banning in a whole lot more cities besides London.”
Black Cabs are like some modern day cartel in London. #Uber
— Blaynos (@Blaynos14) September 22, 2017
The decision, however, was criticized by many. Twitter user Tom Harwood said: “Sadiq Khan and the Labour Party have turned their backs on young people who want a safer, cheaper, more convenient way to get about.
“I can’t count the number of times Uber has got me out of a sticky situation. Without it I’d face much walking through London in the night.”
I can't count the number of times Uber has got me out of a sticky situation. Without it I'd face much walking through London in the night.
— Tom Harwood (@tomhfh) September 22, 2017
Ali Hills tweeted that as a single woman, Uber is the only form of transport she feels safe using.
So @TfL have decided not to allow @Uber in London anymore ? WTF?! They are the ONLY form of transport I feel safe in as a single woman!
— Ali Hills (@skigirl1980) September 22, 2017
Paul Ilett tweeted: “The London Uber ruling appears to have gone down like a lead balloon on Twitter. Customers have less choice and aren’t happy.”
Dennis Stinker said: “Uber being banned in London will cripple London’s economy of workers who like that extra 15 minutes in bed. Now we’ll all be late.”
When you're an anxious tube-user who can't afford black cabs, and they ban Uber😒catch your local northerner having a panic attack pon London
— Tanith (@Tanith44) September 22, 2017
Others are already planning a protest. Christiana WB tweeted: “Now this is a cause to go out in the streets and protest!”
Where/when is the London Uber protest going to be? #UberProtest#uber
— Philip Wigg (@philipwigg) September 22, 2017
No more Uber in London???? Is London transport bonkers?? Now this is a cause to go out in the streets and protest! :)
— Christiana WB (@ChristianaWBee) September 22, 2017
anyone in london up for starting a protest #uber
— cameron frye (@hollycking) September 22, 2017
Is there a protest planned against the uber ban in london? Im there
— Rick (@1twittafae) September 22, 2017