Taxi Driver Online

Controversial Uber app to launch in Edinburgh


The controversial Uber app is launching in Edinburgh after the company reported "huge demand" for the service in the city.

Uber said more than 65,000 people in the capital had already opened the app ahead of Friday's 16:00 launch.

The service allows passengers to hail a taxi using a mobile phone.

Uber first moved into Scotland last month with the launch of its app in Glasgow. There are plans to expand the service to other towns and cities.

Earlier this year, Edinburgh City Council granted Uber a licence to run a booking office from George Street, which is required by law for licensed taxis or private hire companies.

To use Uber, customers download an app that uses GPS technology to locate available drivers nearby and puts them in touch.

Legal ruling

Uber has faced criticism from traditional taxi companies, who want to see greater regulation of private hire vehicles.

Authorities in Europe have also criticised Uber over safety issues.

But the California-based firm has insisted insists its drivers are safe and reliable, and that all are required to pass enhanced disclosure and barring service checks.

Last month a High Court judge in London ruled that the minicab-hailing app was legal.

Transport for London had sought clarification over whether or not the app broke the law by operating in the same way as meters used by more strictly regulated black cabs to calculate fares.

'Blown away'

Max Lines, Uber's general manager for UK expansion, said: "We have been blown away with the reception we received in Glasgow, so are really excited to be launching in Edinburgh today.

"Thousands of Scots have embraced Uber over the last few weeks and we hope to continue this success in the Scottish capital.

"In the last six months alone over 65,000 people in Edinburgh have opened the app, so we know there is a huge demand for the service in the city.

"At the push of a button, people will be able to get a ride which is convenient, safe and affordable."

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-s ... s-34735007

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Don't worry private reggie is on the case

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

The court ruling is applicable only in London

It would be interesting to read how the Scottish Act describes a taximeter.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Well there we have it, Reggie and co's greed in keeping taxi numbers from increasing, has shown Uber, that Edinburgh clearly has an unmet demand!

The council recently reduced fee for a PHC licence so nothing to stop them continuing to growing bigger and bigger,

Its really rather sad that the trade is represented by a blinkered few co-op's

I truly hope Uber fail, but i doubt they will,

How is it effecting Glasgow?

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Edinburghs taxi drivers are desperate for change

Owners think not!!!!

Just had a look on the Uber app and as of now they have half a dozen cars free and available.

Be interested to see how, or if, they expand as fast as they have done in London, where they now have 1000s of cars.

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IDFIMH

up to and including today ive seen three

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i started out with nothing and ive still got most of it left

For me to know and you to find out CC, surprised you didn't know the case Thats being worked on

Never noticed Uber presence so far, done 27 pick ups in 10 hours today, 99.9% cash, Uber don't do cash

Airport1 competition is good for the trade as a hole, Uber only do uploaded card jobs though and don't do pre-book, not much of a long term threat in my opinion, it may even lead to the total demise of the ph trade in Edinburgh, you to haven't been paying attention to the game, the game in Edinburgh is changing and trust me it's for the better

On the meter CC ph use meters but they can charge/set a lower Tarrif as ECPH once did, did no good but they tried The ph can't though use/set a higher Tarrif, should be interesting when Uber's meter start's surging, if customers start complaining Uber could fall foul

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Alway's been about Tightening the Grip!

COMCAB They came they tried they failed, proving Co-ops are the way ahead, our co-ops are growing Anyone heard how Gett are getting on

Can't believe your swallowing the Uber spin Of course they are going to exaggerate the figures, that's how they entrap

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Alway's been about Tightening the Grip!

Nice one Reggie, Uber are only days old and you are repeating yourself again.

The Black cab app has just won a major contract can you tell me which one it is Reggie, it starts next year.

Also if the council ruling is all taxi vehicles must be fitted with taxi meters to comply with council rulings, then why is Uber allowed to operate.
If Uber car operates with taxi meter off then the occupants are not insured[/color]

Your the one in the know Flower, question is do you have the balls to disclose it, bit strange though it starts next year, beginning of the month is normal in our industry and contracts with any length of time remaining don't normally do tendering until closer to the time, unless you mean it starts on Jan 1st, cmon spill it, I bet it's a biggie

Point though, Gett are having no effect on my day's, it's business as usual

On Uber our trade had the opportunity to object but didn't take it, surging could be deemed as illegal, cancellation fee is to high, surcharge on credit/debit transactions need to be looked at but again they don't do cash or pre-book, not much of a threat in my book, drivers will get pi--ed off

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Alway's been about Tightening the Grip!

Why would a cab's insurance be invalid if the meter was turned off? 3rd party risks are always covered.

Why?

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IDFIMH