Taxi Driver Online

Looks like there's an article specifically written by Uber to accompany this, but can't find it online.

But there are several quotes from the piece in here, and it's all very predictable


Uber in 11th hour plea for council to ditch Street Knowledge Test – despite hundreds of locals calling for it to stay

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Licensing chiefs will meet to discuss Aberdeen's taxi rulebook next week. Uber bosses want them to overlook the results of a recent major consultation.

Uber bosses have pleaded for Aberdeen licensing bosses to axe the Street Knowledge Test – following a survey which showed hundreds of locals back the controversial exam.

Earlier this year, Aberdeen City Council launched a consultation on the industry, following years of complaints about shortages.

Uber argued the biggest change needed was the removal of the contentious exam they say has “held the city back” by blocking some budding drivers from entering the trade.

Around 1,800 people took part in the survey, and more backed maintaining the Street Knowledge Test than wanted it scrapped outright.

This came despite business leaders warning of the impact on the night-time economy, with a lack of taxis deterring folk from going into the city centre.

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Councillors will meet on Wednesday to discuss the future of the taxi trade, taking into account the views expressed by locals in the consultation.

Ahead of these talks, Uber has spoken out on the Aberdeen industry for the first time in months.

And bosses want local authority decision-makers to overlook the results, in order to “transform how people get around the city”.

What are Uber saying ahead of Aberdeen taxi rules meeting?

Matthew Freckelton has made an impassioned plea for elected members to seize the chance to spark some change.

Writing exclusively for The P&J, he bemoans a “well-documented shortage of private hire cars” in Aberdeen.

Mr Freckelton states: “If the council makes the right decision, they can unlock a modern transport network that will hugely benefit businesses and people.

“Aberdeen has a long-standing and well-documented shortage of private hire cars.

"And that’s mainly down to one thing.

“At the moment, taxi and private hire drivers in Aberdeen have to pass a Street Knowledge Test – a memory exam about the geography, connecting streets and landmarks of the city – in order to get a licence.

“And quite simply, it is holding the city back. Modern technology has fundamentally changed how we travel, allowing routes to be seamlessly mapped in real-time through sat navs and smartphone apps.”

‘Make the right decision for the people of Aberdeen’

Mr Freckelton says the Street Knowledge Test “served a purpose, but it is no longer essential in providing safe travel in cities like Aberdeen”.

Concluding his appeal, he adds: “A more modern, competency-based approach would allow the council to maintain high standards while supporting a better overall service for passengers.

“There’s a clear opportunity to make life easier for people across Aberdeen.

“For older generations, it will mean the option to always get a reliable, timely ride – whether it is to catch a train, go to a medical appointment, or see family.”

He continues: “In today’s connected world, drivers do not need to spend months memorising routes that digital mapping tools navigate instantly.

“By removing this barrier, we can address chronic shortages that have left people in the unnecessary situation where they can’t get home.

“If the council makes the right decision on June 3, and modernises Aberdeen’s transport rules, they will deliver the reliable, affordable transport and growth that the people of Aberdeen deserve.”

Aberdeen licensing committee members will “determine which part or parts of the policy would warrant amendment” after the scrutinise the survey results.

Rainbow City Taxis boss Russell MacLeod declined to comment, saying he will await the council’s verdict at the meeting.

You mean a free marketing pitch for Uber, and also an opportunity to lobby for the abandoment of the street knowledge test...

The council consultation came back with more people wanting to keep the test than cancel it so Uber are getting desperate about the meeting on Wednesday. The our Union Street chairman gave an interview with the BBC claiming all the taxi drivers must have voted to keep it. The man's a genius.