Latest ride-hailing firm Ola preparing to launch in south of England town

Indian ride-hailing giants Ola will be pursuing an operators licence in Bournemouth as they continue their expansion across the UK, according to sources. As reported in The Bournemouth Echo, the firm, which is likely to rival Uber across the UK, is seeking to become an intrinsic part of the transportation “ecosystem” in Bournemouth. The Indian based firm, which already operate across the South West and South Wales, are intending to have 150 vehicles lined up before Bournemouth borough council considers its application. The council will now consider its request to begin operating in Bournemouth on Thursday January 10. Unlike Uber, Ola have the option for hackney carriage drivers to join the platform which will give customers the choice between traditional taxis and private hire vehicles. If granted a licence, the firm will set-up base in an office unit in the town and have a day-to-day operations manager who will liaise with its London headquarters.