Indian ride-hailing app to rival Uber 'in talks with Transport for London' after UK launch

A new Indian ride-hailing app, which could be stiff competition for Uber, has launched its first UK services.

So far, Ola has launched in parts of South Wales, including Cardiff, Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan.

The company told the Standard, it is currently in “constructive conversation” with Transport for London and hopes to expand nationwide by the end of 2018.

Ola claims it is the only app offering both private hire vehicles (PHVs) and black cabs through "one consumer-friendly platform" in the UK.

It has pledged to "lead the industry" with its approach to passenger safety, including its screening of drivers and support services.

Founded in 2011, Ola operates in more than 110 cities across India and Australia, with one million drivers.

Ola UK managing director Ben Legg said: "This is an exciting moment for everyone at Ola and we are very pleased that South Wales is where we will be starting our UK journey.

"Over recent weeks, Ola has received positive feedback from drivers in South Wales and looks forward to providing passengers with a dynamic, new responsible service.

"We are determined to do a great job for the community and work closely with local authorities to help with their mobility goals."

Uber is used in 600 cities across 65 countries and has three million drivers. It launched in the UK in 2012.

In June it won a partial victory when a judge granted it a short-term operating licence in London after the permit was not renewed over safety concerns.