Top header Banner
Top header Banner
Middle top Banner

London bans Uber rival, Ola due to safety concerns

Transport for London (TfL) has banned Indian taxi app, Ola to operate in the British capital due to safety concerns.

Ola had been operating in London since February. However, TfL said that the company reported failings with a number of unlicensed drivers. The company will appeal the decision within 21 days.

Transport for London (TfL), the capital’s transport authority, has banned Indian taxi app Ola over public safety concerns.

Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of licensing, regulation and charging, said, “Through our investigations we discovered that flaws in Ola’s operating model have led to the use of unlicensed drivers and vehicles in more than 1,000 passenger trips, which may have put passenger safety at risk.”

“If they do appeal, the taxi company can continue to operate and drivers can continue to undertake bookings on behalf of Ola. We will closely scrutinise the company to ensure passengers safety is not compromised.”

“We have been working with TfL during the review period and have sought to provide assurances and address the issues raised in an open and transparent manner,” Marc Rozendal, Ola’s UK Managing Director, said in a statement.

“Ola will take the opportunity to appeal this decision and in doing so, our riders and drivers can rest assured that we will continue to operate as normal, providing safe and reliable mobility for London.”

Ola’s rival, Uber won a court case against TfL to continue operating in London.