In a major effort to hold on to its license to operate in London, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi met with local transport officials and promised to make things right. TfL (Transport for London), the governing body that regulates the local transport system of Britain’s capital, decided not to renew the license of the ride-hailing company as it found the model unfit for the city. Further, TfL stated that there have been criminal offenses and issues related to background checks on drivers.
Khosrowshahi and Mike Brown, the commissioner of TfL, had an extensive meeting on Tuesday. An Uber spokesperson said, “We hope to have further discussions over the coming weeks, as we are determined to make things right in London.”
After the first meeting on Tuesday, a TfL spokesperson said, “Today’s constructive meeting centered on what needs to happen to ensure a thriving taxi and private-hire market in London where everyone operates to the same high standards.”
Uber’s license expired on September 30, but its drivers can still take passenger bookings as long as the appeals process has not been exhausted, which will take a few months.
Sources have also indicated that Uber Britain’s Chief Jo Bertram will be quitting and taking up an assignment outside the company. The British management of the ride-hailing company has come under sever flak by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who also is the chairman of TfL. Khan commented that Uber should focus more on addressing the concerns raised by TfL, rather than hiring lawyers and PR experts.
Khosrowshahi was appointed as the new CEO of Uber, replacing former CEO and founder Travis Kalanick, and has assured to turned around this company, which is facing severe criticism and legal battles.
