Uber is forming an alliance with black-cab drivers in the upcoming year, dubbing it a "collaboration" with hackney carriage operators.
The LTDA, which has more than 10,000 members, stated that they were not previously consulted regarding Uber's "unilateral announcement".
Steve McNamara, spokesperson for the LTDA, declared that becoming affiliated with Uber would be "desecrating" the trade.
Uber indicated that some taxi drivers had already joined the platform.
A representative from the American company mentioned that they anticipate employing "several hundred" individuals by the end of January.
Mr McNamara, who serves as LTDA's general secretary, declared that the drivers in question did not request this union and that London's taxi operators have seen a major surge since the start of the pandemic with unprecedented requests for cabs, more jobs via cab applications and a large sum of money being put towards new electric cabs.
He expressed doubt that members would take the notion of signing up to the app seriously, due to its long-standing bad reputation in regards to passenger safety and labor rights in London.
Uber has always maintained that it is in compliance with the appropriate laws in London.
The ride-hailing service declared that Hameed Hameedi, who passed the Knowledge exam in 2015, was the first London cabbie to join them.
Mr Hameedi declared that Uber collaborating with black cabs will be immensely advantageous for the business.
Bookings of rides are beneficial for me since it gives me an idea of where I need to be for my next assignment. When more riders reserve trips, it increases the income for taxi drivers.
However, Howard Taylor, a London licensed taxi driver, has absolutely no intention of joining Uber.
He asserted that London black cabs are the optimum.
Uber declared that black-cab drivers registering with the app will receive six months of commission-free reservations.
Mr Taylor commented that the company had drawn in customers in London at the outset with low fares, but after they had boarded the fares were raised.
He said in addition: "We strive to do more than what is expected of us to assist our customers and we are devoted to offering a secure, easily accessible andefficient method of transportation. Based on what I have witnessed, I don't think Uber has the same values."
There has been a long-standing animosity between the black-cab and Uber communities.
Many demonstrations and campaigns have been organized by it against the app which came to London in 2012 with the aim of disrupting the market.
Hackney cabs, which are known for being black in color, are traditionally the only vehicles that one can signal for while out on the street. But, with the emergence of app technology and smartphones, passengers began to have the option of "e-hailing" minicabs.
Many cabbies deemed that to be unjust.
The relationship between Uber and the London authorities has not been consistently positive.
In 2017, Transport for London took away the licence of the company owing to its "deficient corporate responsibility" and the "possibilities of risks to public safety and security".
It brought to light deficiencies in how criminal offences are reported and background checks are conducted. Keeping its licence upon appeal, it has since undertaken steps to right its wrongs.
The primary inquiry is whether or not a considerable amount of black cabbies will sign up with Uber?
This contentious argument has been ongoing for some time, as was stated to me, drivers of taxis have remarkably good memories.”
Andrew Brem, Uber UK's general manager, declared: "A collaboration between Uber and taxis is advantageous."
Black cabs are an emblem of London and are treasured by both locals and tourists. We are delighted to be in partnership with them.
Partnership yields multiple benefits: enhancing the earnings of London taxi drivers, providing more travel options for passengers, and optimizing the city's transport system.
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