Uber boss Dara Khosrowshahi apologises and asks customers to "work with us"

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has apologised to Londoners for mistakes the company has made and asked customers to work "with us".

The apology came in an open letter issued three days after the company was told by Transport for London (TfL) its licence to operate in the city would not be renewed because it was "not fit and proper" to hold one.

Mr Khosrowshahi admits in the letter that "we have got things wrong along the way. On behalf of everyone at Uber globally, I apologise for the mistakes we've made."

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While maintaining that the firm will appeal Friday's decision by TfL, "on behalf of millions of Londoners," he admits that "we also must change".

Mr Khosrowshahi, who was appointed to the role last month, also tweeted: "Dear London: we r far from perfect but we have 40k licensed drivers and 3.5mm Londoners depending on us. Pls work w/us to make things right."

TfL said on Friday that Uber was "not fit and proper" to hold a licence because it had demonstrated "a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications".

It highlighted Uber's approach to reporting serious criminal offences, obtaining medical certificates and background checks on drivers, and its explanation of the use of "greyball" software that it said could be used to thwart regulators.

TfL told the California-based company its licence would not be renewed when it expires on Friday.

More than 740,000 people have since signed a petition calling for TfL and London mayor Sadiq Khan to reverse the decision, which, Uber claims, will put 40,000 licensed drivers out of work and mean less choice for consumers.

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TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady welcomed the apology, telling Sky News: "I was pleased to hear Uber, sort of, say sorry but it's a case of actions speaking louder than words.

"They've got their chance now to clean up their act, stop cutting corners on safety and pay their workers at least the minimum wage," she added.

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