Uber says that it will appeal the decision of Transport for London, issued Friday, not to renew its license in the city.
Just an hour after Transport for London, backed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, said it had found that Uber was "not fit and proper" to hold the license after it expires on Sept. 30, Uber retailiated in a statement, saying that "Transport for London and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice."
TfL has today informed Uber that it will not be issued with a private hire operator licence. pic.twitter.com/nlYD0ny2qo
— Transport for London (@TfL) September 22, 2017
The local government body noted that its issues with Uber included its approaches to reporting serious criminal offenses and how medical certificates are obtained, and its use of software that could block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app.
Uber has 21 days to appeal and can continue to operate until that process expires. The company says that 40,000 jobs are at risk as a result of the decision. Its app is used by an estimated 3.5 million Londoners and in June it kicked off its first major U.K. ad campaign, including a TV spot by BBH London. BBH said it was making no comment on the ruling.
Users have been reacting to the news on social media, with millennials particularly angry.
If you're gonna ban #Uber you better make sure there is not one single tube strike ever again
— ellie (@ellietheking) September 22, 2017
No more #Uber in London?YES!🤗Can't WAIT to go back to using a Black Cab who'll drive me home at 14.8MPH via the longest route possible😐#SMD
— ♛Roky Million♛ (@rokymillion) September 22, 2017
Others on Twitter feel there's a need for caution.
I use @Uber all the time & want to continue doing so. But they should vet drivers properly & report criminal allegations to police. #simple
— Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) September 22, 2017
