Uber is opening up its service to black cabs in London, with the first cabbies signing up now.

London is the latest major city where local taxi drivers are partnering with Uber

The service rolls out in early 2024, making London the latest major city where local taxi drivers are partnering with Uber. Taxi drivers in Paris, New York, Rome and major cities across 33 countries are now taking trips through Uber.

Uber is working to become a one-stop-shop for all transport and has launched intercity trains, Eurostar, National Express, car rentals and flight tickets in the UK app.

Andrew Brem, general manager of Uber UK, said: “We’re partnering with taxi drivers across the world and the message we are hearing from them is clear – Uber and taxis are better together. Black Cabs are an iconic part of the capital, loved by Londoners and visitors alike, and we are proud to work side by side. Partnership is win-win-win: helping London cab drivers earn more, boosting travel options for passengers and making London’s transport network more efficient.”

However, the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, which represents about two-thirds of London’s 15,000 cabbies, had this to say: “We have no interest in sullying the name of London’s iconic, world-renowned black cab trade by aligning it with Uber, its poor safety record and everything else that comes with it.”

Addison Lee also slammed the move.

Liam Griffin, CEO of the private hire giant, said: “Since its arrival in London in 2012, Uber’s operating practices and predatory pricing model have threatened the livelihoods of hard-working local black taxi and private hire drivers in the capital. Its poor record on safety and driver support has undermined the reputation of the industry and created a race to the bottom that has damaged us all.

“London’s black taxi drivers have always been vocal in their opposition to Uber – and for good reason. The tech firm has time and time again proved itself to be the enemy of healthy competition and fair prices in the sector. Uber will have its work cut out to win over black taxi drivers who are rightly extremely sceptical of the motives behind today’s move.”