Uber is OUT in London, Now what?!
Just three days ago, Uber was informed by Transport for London (TfL) that they would not be renewing Uber’s license to operate in London as of September 30th. They were originally issued their license back in 2012 and now this month that 5 year license expires. Uber has appealed the decision, and they’re allowed to operate during the appeal, but it’s important to know what other options you have in London to get around town.
License Revoked
In the words of the TfL, they have concluded that “Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence,†citing “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.â€
These include:
- 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.
Those are some pretty harsh terms and it loks like there’s a big road to overcome for uber. Luckily, there are lots of options to get around the UK’s Capital City
MyTaxi
MyTaxi merged with Hailo and now offeres service in over 50 cities all over Europe. They are a black cab hailing company, so don’t expect to find the low fares that you did with Uber, You can get 10 pounds off your first ride with them by using their promocode, myfirstmytaxi.
MyTaxi, the Black Cab App
They’re also offering 50% off rides for a limited time, and their tweet says it all. Maybe it’s just the British in them but it sure sounds like a harsh attack.
50% off fares now, we are undercutting UberX on the news that they are not fit and proper to operate. Discount applied automatically.
— mytaxi uk (@mytaxiuk) September 22, 2017
Kabbee
Kabbee claims to be up to 65% cheaper than black cabs, as they have a fleet of minicabs to shuttle you around the City. According to their website you can Book from 5 minutes to 3 months ahead: big cars, small cars, flash cars, green cars. Pay by card, cash or account.
It is pretty awesome to be able to schedule a ride three months in advance, just one less thing to worry about before a big trip.
They only charge 25 pounds from Central London to Heathrow which is a steal. If I can’t use Uber 25 pounds seems like a great deal.
Gett
Gett has expanded from the UK into Russia, Israel, and now New York joining forces with Juno. They don’t have surge pricing and they offer wheelchair accessiblity on every single ride, something that Uber couldn’t say.
Gett Service Map
Just like Kabbee you can schedule your rides in advance, up to two weeks, and since they partner with black cabs pickup times are usually 3 minutes or less.
Addison Lee
Addison Lee, in my opinion, is the Uber Black alternative. The prices are a little bit higher than Uber, but the luxury is there. Every ride comes with 4G wifi, charging cables, tinted windows, and some even come with bike racks.
There is no surging and the price you see is the price you pay from the start, so there’s no games with your fares, ever.
The Tube
London’s Underground, or “the tube” was created in 1863 and is the world’s oldest and fourth largest. Every year, over 1.3 BILLION rides occur on the tube, and they do so for a reason. It’s ubiquitous in London and it pretty much gets you everywhere you need to go in the city.
London Tube Map
Fares start from £2.40 to ride the tube, and that’s a steal. Service is extremely reliable and regular, so there’s no issue getting around town.
Never Fear
So, if Uber’s gone for good, don’t worry. You’ve got plenty of options to get around town. I would imagine that Uber is going to appeal and fight this for quite some time, so for now, you’re good. But just incase, make sure to download these apps so you’ve got plenty of options to get you around town!
September 24, 2017
Thank you for all the very good and helpful options for London. I have gotten around on the Tube and never had any issues, however, it’s always great knowing what your other options are. 👍
September 25, 2017
London has a special relationship with taxis unlike any other city that I’ve traveled to, so I can understand their reluctance with Uber. However, when has ignoring technological progress ever been the right call? Hello 8-track, VHS, horse & buggy… you get the idea.