Uber Ban, Cancellation News: Exec Issues Apology for 'Mistakes Made'; Hopes to Gather 1 Million Signatures to Continue London Operation
Uber's new CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, immediately issued an open letter of apology after London transport officials refused to renew their license to operate in the city.
In the said letter, Khosrowshahi stated: "While Uber revolutionised the way people move in cities around the world, it's equally true that we've got things wrong along the way. On behalf of everyone at Uber globally, I apologise for the mistakes we've made."
Last week, the Transport for London office ruled that they were not going to renew Uber London's private hire operator licence that would be expiring on Sept. 30. The decision came after the TfL concluded that the ride hailing company was "not fit and proper" to obtain the said authorization.
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The TfL scrutinized Uber London's handling of reporting criminal offences, how they obtained medical certificates as well as the company's process of doing background checks on their drivers, and how they educate commuters on the proper use of the Greyball in London software.
While the TfL's decision was open for any petition, Uber has also solicited the help of Londoners by asking for petition signatures through Change.org to "Save Your Uber in London." As of this writing, the company has already gathered more than 780,000 supporters out of their 1 million goal.
The petition was addressed to London mayor Sadiq Khan who has since responded to the online signature campaign by saying: "There is a place in London for all private hire companies that play by the rules."
Khan, who also chairs the TfL, added that while he understands that Uber "has become a popular service" for many Londoners, he said that giving it a license despite its malpractices "would be wrong."
The decision has understandably upset thousands of people, especially considering that if the ban resulted in the total end of Uber London's operation, more than 40,000 drivers would be losing their jobs.
Khan then advised the affected drivers that "their anger really should be directed at Uber." He added that Uber London's failure to adhere to city policies shows the company has "let down their drivers and customers by failing, in the view of TfL, to act as a fit and proper operator."
However, Khan also clarified that Uber can continue operating "until the appeals process has been exhausted."
In Khosrowshahi's open letter, the CEO confirmed they were gearing up to file an appeal to the TfL and added: "But we do so with the knowledge that we must also change."
