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256 points reubensutton | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0.479s | source
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tompccs ◴[] No.21627571[source]
A few things going on here. This is a continuation of an ongoing battle between Tfl and Uber. Last year Tfl threatened to revoke Ubers' license unless it complied with regulations involving basic safety checks and coorporated with British Transport Police over crimes committed by drivers.

Well, one year on and Uber has not been able to get its house in order. This move will doubtless be extremely unpopular with Londoners, many of whom will suspect that the black cab unions are behind it. Uber called Tfl's bluff last year knowing there would be a public backlash if their services were withdrawn. It will be interesting to see how it plays out this time.

Regardless of your opinion of Uber and their labour practices, they offer an incredibly valuable service to millions of people. They have massively increased the availability of minicabs, made booking them incredibly easy and safe (not to mentioned with far better coverage than was previously possible) and affordable to more people. Not only that, thousands of people now make a living driving Ubers whom before wouldn't have been able to get a job as a minicab driver at all, as the firms would artificially limit numbers to keep fares high.

Uber and Tfl are both playing a risky game here.

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1. Jommi ◴[] No.21628827[source]
I think you're overvaluing Uber's footing in the current London market. During the summer several competitors have been granted licenses, and they are reporting healthy and fast growth. Those millions of people can just switch over to one of the other apps and get a nearly identical (and usually cheaper) service. Same with the drivers, the competitors are offering a hugely better deal than Uber is.
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2. tompccs ◴[] No.21629520[source]
Problem is if drivers are spread more thinly between them. But just the news today should have prompted drivers to sign up to other apps.