TfL grant Uber new 30 MONTH LICENCE renewal in London which was set to end on Monday

Ride-hailing app Uber have been granted a new London operator’s licence which will last for 30 months.

The controversial app, which has faced a number of legal challenges over its business model, was set to see its current licence run out on Monday 27 March, but in a decision made late on Friday 25 March, Transport for London (TfL) made the decision to grant a new licence.

Jamie Heywood, Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “TfL rightly holds our industry to the highest regulatory and safety standards and we are pleased to have met their high bar.

“As we continue to play our part in getting London moving again post-pandemic, we remain focused on raising industry standards in all areas. This includes offering drivers the benefits and protections they deserve as workers, ensuring all Londoners can get around safely, and supporting the Mayor’s plan for a greener future in the capital with our target to become a fully electric platform in the city by 2025.”

Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, said: "This is the right decision for London. It reflects the hard work of GMB members in helping make Uber a better and safer place for drivers and customers.”

“Uber drivers now have specific rights thanks to their worker status; to pensions, to holiday pay and to the minimum wage.

“There is more to do but other companies who are licensed by TfL – Bolt, Ola – need to wake up and learn from this example.

“It is wrong for the driver and bad for passenger safety in London and elsewhere that Bolt and Ola and others refuse to give their drivers employment rights that have been set by the Supreme Court.

“GMB Union is taking court action against Bolt and others to get justice for drivers, and to protect passenger safety.”