Yahoo News Uber releases open-letter apology following London ban
Uber has released an open letter apologising for mistakes it's made, having being stripped of its operating licence in London last week.
TfL ruled that the company was "not fit and proper" to operate in the capital and that it would not be issued with a private hire operator licence after the current licence expires on September 30.
The London government body noted a "number of issues" over public safety in the decision, including Uber's approach to reporting serious criminal offences as well as background checks on its drivers.
You have my commitment that @Uber will work with #London to make things right and keep this great global city moving safely. pic.twitter.com/MZbDS6fYQL
- dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) September 25, 2017
Related: 6 taxi apps you can use instead of Uber
Uber's chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi has now penned an open letter, writing: "While Uber has revolutionised the way people move in cities around the world, it's equally true that we've got things wrong along the way. On behalf of everyone at Uber globally, I apologise for the mistakes we've made.
"We will appeal [against] the decision on behalf of millions of Londoners, but we do so with the knowledge that we must also change."
Khosrowshahi also vowed that the company "won't be perfect, but we will listen to you".
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, welcomed the apology, saying (via The Guardian): "Obviously I am pleased that he has acknowledged the issues that Uber faces in London. Even though there is a legal process in place, I have asked TfL to make themselves available to meet with him."
Uber is expected to keep operating in London throughout the appeal process.
The company has come under fire over reporting serious offences and background checks, though Tom Elvidge, General Manager of Uber in London, told Digital Spy that they "always followed" TfL's rules on reporting serious incidents.
The company also tweeted a link to a petition addressed to the Mayor and asking TfL to reconsider its decision, which has amassed over 750,000 signatures.
Khan said in a statement last week that "all companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high standards we expect – particularly when it comes to the safety of customers. Providing an innovative service must not be at the expense of customer safety and security."
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