Uber offers taxi drivers zero commission fees now, but no decision made long term regarding fees

In a bid to entice taxi drivers to join its platform, Uber announced that they would charge zero commission fees for the first six months. However, the company has yet to determine the subsequent commission rate that will be imposed on drivers after the initial deal runs out.

Neil McGonigle, Uber UK's Head of Driver Operations, reassured potential drivers that any future commission rate would be ‘competitive’ in the current taxi market.

Currently, other taxi-hailing firms charge between 10% and 20%. Leading taxi companies in London, FREENOW and Gett, currently impose commission rates of 15% and 20%, respectively.

After over a decade of tension between the taxi trade and the ride-hail giants, Uber's attempt to introduce black cabs to its fleet in London is an ambitious one. Drivers can now begin signing up to become part of the new service.

Despite Uber's offer, the majority of taxi drivers and taxi groups have maintained their distance from the platform. Past frictions with Uber have discouraged their involvement.

Nevertheless, Uber remains optimistic that its efforts will attract enough taxi drivers to its platform, offering them a chance to explore new opportunities and reach a broader customer base. The company's aim is to launch the black cab service in early 2024.