In a significant move that could lead to a multi-million dollar payout, a group of over 10,000 black cab drivers in London have filed a lawsuit against Uber. The legal action, filed in the High Court, alleges that Uber breached taxi-booking rules in the capital between May 2012 and March 2018.
The cab drivers claim that Uber misled Transport for London (TfL) about how it operated its ride-booking system, resulting in breaches of private hire licensing rules. Specifically, they allege that Uber allowed its drivers to accept bookings directly from customers, bypassing the central system required by law for minicab services.
The lawsuit contends that this booking system was unlawful and that Uber deliberately deceived TfL to obtain its license. The cab drivers argue that they suffered financial losses during the period in question due to reduced customer demand and increased working hours to compete with Uber’s popular app.
RGL Management, the law firm representing the London cabbies, anticipates that the total claim value could exceed 250 million pounds, with each driver potentially receiving up to 25,000 pounds. Uber has dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that it operates lawfully in London and is fully licensed by TfL.
The lawsuit has revived concerns about the impact of ride-hailing services on traditional taxi drivers. The black cab drivers argue that Uber’s alleged rule breaches have created an unfair playing field, leading to lost earnings and job insecurity. The outcome of the lawsuit will be closely watched by both the taxi industry and the wider public, as it could shape the future of taxi services in London.
