Uber is struggling in the UK. Can India's Ola do things differently?

India’s largest ride-sharing service, Ola, is coming to Britain. It’s news that will make not just Uber sit up and pay attention.

For Uber, it’s another direct rival. The US company, marred in the UK by controversies and court cases, is trying to rebuild its reputation in UK after after Transport for London (TfL) first withdrew its licence to operate in the city and then put it on notice by only issuing it with a probationary short-term licence.

Now Uber and the UK’s plethora of minicab firms find themselves cautiously eyeing a fresh competitor, and – once again – demand on it playing by the rules.

"Ola says that it is committed to raising safety standards in the UK’s private hire industry from the get go, unlike Uber," says Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association. With Uber’s reputation harmed, "Ola will be hoping to establish itself as a more ethical alternative," adds Lauren Foye, an analyst at Juniper Research.

Cautious about diving straight into London traffic - not least in light of all the issues Uber faced in recent years, the Indian company has chosen South Wales and Greater Manchester as pilot areas. An Ola spokesperson says the decision was based on "positive engagement" with the local authorities. Analysts, however, put it quite bluntly: rather than enter the fray in locations where ride-sharing is being scrutinised from a legal perspective, Ola is looking to get a foothold in areas yet to be significantly disrupted by the gig economy.

So who is Ola? Backed by SoftBank, the company has had its fair share or problems in its native India. There have been reports of drivers engaging in unethical and at times criminal behaviour, while Ola itself has been accused of exploiting its drivers, by first offering incentives to sign up and then cutting earnings later. It’s enough of a track record to make UK consumers wary, says Foye. "To address this, Ola will need to impose stringent checks on its drivers, and could look at features to make customers feel safer, such as panic buttons or CCTV equipment," she adds.

A major challenge to succeed with customers and to hire drivers will be brand recognition. "It is not known," says Yugal Joshi from Everest Group, a research firm. "[It will need] a meaningful marketing blitz around its entry, create incentives for drivers, work with regulators to better understand the constructs, and understand the taxi habits of UK passengers," he adds. What it shouldn’t do is market taxis as an alternative to other modes of transport, as it does in India. Instead, Joshi argues, it should make it essential for British commuters.

That Uber and licensed cabs have to make space for a newcomer isn’t a total surprise – quite the opposite. "The demand for that type of (sharing) mobility is certainly there, and I certainly believe that transportation as a service is going to grow," says Egil Juliussen, an analyst at IHS Markit. Uber, Ola and a few other major ride-sharing players such as Lyft and China’s Didi are just the beginning. The next step will be, inevitably, driverless cars – and that will at least remove the problem of underpaid or unethical and abusive drivers.

Pilot projects using driverless vehicles are growing in number, and Waymo, GM, Uber and Lyft are set to bring them to our streets in just a few years’ time. This, in turn, will make the cost of sharing mobility plummet, driving up demand and slowly but surely killing car ownership. "The peak in terms of car ownership will come very, very soon," Juliussen predicts.

For now, passengers will have to share their cab with a driver – and many UK drivers may soon find themselves working for an Indian firm. The UK, Ola’s spokesperson says, "marks a natural but significant next chapter in our international expansion," – after its expansion into Australia in January this year. The UK, the spokesperson adds, is "crying out for a responsible, new competitive player".

Ola will offer British passengers something different from Uber. And it has grand plans. Greater Manchester and Wales are "only the beginning", the spokesperson adds.

Source : Wired 

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT:

We received this email today from a driver. Name and badge number have been reserved by us.

            

Morning Taxileaks,

   I'm a London Cabby - only found your website this morning - another cabby recommended it. I read the article in TAXI magazine yesterday about sueing Uber, and could not believe what I was reading. Mishcon de Reya, the legal firm that is supposed to be putting the case together, are the most bent legal firm in London !! Private Eye magazine have spent the last decade trying to uncover some of the corruption and cronyism at Mishcon. They are the Establishment cover-up legal firm of choice !!

     As soon as I read the article, I stopped the cab and ran into the Private Eye office (6 Carlisle St Soho) - they said they would dig out some of their more recent articles about Mishcon.

     I assume Uber have already agreed to pay them to lose the case, or Mishcon may already know it's not actually possible to win the case. Either way, it's another stitch-up.

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New York City Council vote in favour of capping Uber drivers

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Today, August, 8, New York City Council passed a bill to cap the number of Uber drivers that operate in the City for 12 months. According to a report in Futurism, an "overwhelming" amount of the City Council members voted in favour of the bill along with four other bills. The bill to halt any new licenses being issued to Uber drivers for the next 12 months came about to combat the increased congestion caused by huge numbers of Uber drivers who have joined the ride-sharing giants. City Council members also believe that capping the amount of drivers working for Uber will increase the amount of trips each driver can make throughout their shift, therefore increasing their potential to make more money. Uber are not happy with the decision though, claiming in the New York Times customers will now be left stranded waiting longer for a driver to pick them up and stress that the new bill will do nothing to fix the subway and help taxi medallion owners. The 12 month bill will now give legislators the opportunity to really analyse the impact of ride-hailing in the city and look to come up with a way of assuring it can work for everyone in the future.

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Sardinia late season family/group beach holiday 7nts from £126pp - incl. flights & aparthotel

Ahoy mateys! Sardinia is up next on the horizon and we've found this cheap and cheerful holiday (suitable for families, groups and couples) placing you at Lu Nibareddu Residence in beautiful San Teodoro on the East Coast of the island home to pristine beaches and great wining and dining. Here you have 2 swimming… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Caliente! Direct flights to Cancún, Mexico from £300rtn (Various UK departures)

Pirates, extend your summer with these late season flights to Cancún from our Flights Finder! Flights are direct from several UK cities with TUI, with an inflight meal included. We've seen availability for departures in August and September, If you'd prefer to book accommodation together with flights, check out our Package Finder. Flight Details Flights… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Lovely Lithuania: Flights to Vilnius & Kaunas from £25 return

Pirates, check this out, we have come across some super cheap flights from only £25 return to the fabulous Vilnius in Lithuania. There are a range of dates in October and November at really great prices. You can also fly to Kaunas in Lithuania from Bristol from £34 return. Use our flights finder for all… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi driver stabbed in the head by group of Thugs during horrific attack

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A 36-year-old Taxi driver has been beaten and stabbed in the head by a group of thugs who dragged him from his vehicle in Batley West Yorkshire. The horrific attack took place outside a BP petrol station in the early hours of Friday morning when a number of men jumped out of two vehicles, a silver Ford Galaxy and a silver Volkswagen Golf, and began to attack the victim. The victim was stabbed in the head and also received flesh wounds to his arms and legs, according to a report in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner. West Yorkshire Police are now investigating the frightening attack which has left the victim in a serious, but stable, condition in hospital.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or who has any information is being asked to contact police via 101, quoting crime reference 13180383141. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.

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Be in awe on the Amalfi Coast: 4nts B&B stay w/ plush in room spa bath from £325pp incl. flights

Splash out on a little bit of luxury with this plush trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Grab your favourite Pirate and spend 4 nights in the 3* Amalfi hotel. Stay in a deluxe room, complete with in room spa bath for an added touch of romance to this bed and breakfast escape. 4… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Absolutely gorgeous Scandi style lodges in Wales: 4nt group stays from £107pp

Ahoy Pirates, check out these amazing Scandi style lodges, however, with these timber structures you can leave the passport at home as you can find the Penvale Lake Lodges in north Wales! Hop in the car with a group of friends or the family for a UK staycation with a difference. Offering 4 - 7… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 5* Tenerife break 3nts from £377pp - incl. Iberostar hotel, half board, flights & freebies

Ahoy pirates! Tenerife is up next with a luxury escape to the sophisticated 5* Iberostar Sabila in the popular Costa Adeje. Here you can enjoy an Adults Only vibe right on the beach with a host of luxury amenities at your disposal, including a gorgeous infinity pool with Balinese beds. This holiday comes packed with… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All inclusive Majorca holiday from £289pp - 7nts hotel near the beach & flights

Ahoy pirates, rumour has it that the heat wave here in the UK is coming to an end, so you may want to escape to some sunshine this Autumn. Check out this awesome holiday in Majorca and even better it is on an all inclusive board basis. There are a choice of departure airports you… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mad for Madeira: 3nts from £208pp incl. 5* Melia hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, pack for the Portuguese island of Madeira for some out-of-season sun and 5* luxury: 3 nights from £208pp including the 5* Melia Madeira Mare Resort & Spa, breakfast & flights. This fit hotel has a top score on TripAdvisor and with pools, sauna & hot tub, you'll get all the R&R you desire. Holiday… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber driver jailed for five years after ferrying gun and ammunition in London

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An Uber driver was jailed for five years on Monday after he was caught ferrying a revolver for an associate who bragged on his phone about selling guns to killers.Abdul Kikwera, 33, was given ammunition and a handgun by the 23-year-old, who cannot be named, in a black House of Fraser shopping bag.After the exchange took place Kikwera sped off towards London’s West End with the Flobert revolver and 17 rounds of ammunition.Police were watching Kikwera and shortly afterwards armed officers stopped his red Toyota Prius on the Strand, Woolwich Crown Court heard.In the passenger footwell they found the black bag with the gun and bullets along with £80.The revolver is favoured by criminals because it is small and easy to conceal, the court heard.It was bought for just €65 in Slovakia and had a street value of up to £3,000.Kikwera’s lawyer, Philippa Page, claimed that he was unaware of the contents of the bag left in his cab.‘There is nothing to suggest that he had any kind of involvement in anything criminal prior to being arrested,’ she said.‘The bag had been left without his knowledge.‘It was clearly stashed in his car and it does not, therefore, follow that he had knowledge of that bag.’But Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams QC said it was ‘inconceivable’ that Kikwera wasn’t aware what was in the bag.Ms Page added that Kikwera was a ‘hard-working, family man.’Sentencing Kikwera, Judge Heathcote Williams QC said: ‘It is inconceivable that the bag was left by mistake or without your knowledge.‘He was consigning the bag to you for delivery – your case was that you simply found the bag‘You knew the bag was there but I am not sure you knew it contained a firearm and ammo.‘This is not case where you thought what you were delivering was legal and you were a 32-year-old man with children.‘You knew, or ought to have known, what you were carrying.‘As persuasive and charming as [unnamed defendant] was, you were not an adolescent infatuated by an older man.’Kikwera’s co-defendant fled to Dubai after realising his fate but was arrested when he returned a month later.He made no comment in interview and refused to give officers access to his two iPhones.But police experts hacked into the phones and found a gallery of images showing him posing at fire-ranges with handguns and firing them.He claimed he had never touched a gun before but a diary entry on his phone read: ‘Sold guns to straight killers’.Kikwera’s associate was convicted by a jury of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life, and refusing to give up his mobile phone pin code.He was jailed for 12 and a half years.Kikwera, of Sandringham Gardens, North Finchley, was found guilty of possessing a prohibited firearm and possessing ammunition without a license.He was jailed for five years.

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a&o hostels & hotels vouchers from €39.50pp - 2&4 nights options incl. breakfast

Pirates, a&o hostels and hotels are offering this really cool deal where you buy yourself a voucher (which if valid for 2 people) which you can then use within the next 3 years. You can buy a voucher for only €79 which works out as €39.50 each for a 2 night stay and there is… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Gdansk weekend break from £88pp - incl. 2nts 4* hotel & flights

Give yourselves something to look forward to this autumn with a weekend break to gorgeous Gdansk! With this deal from Expedia you'll be spending 2 nights at the 4* Scandic Hotel, nicely located close to the Old Town. We're eyeing up a trip in early October. Using our example dates you'll be flying out Friday… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tip Top Tunisia: 7nts winter break from £165pp incl. 4* all inclusive hotel & flights

Pirates, grab an off-season bargain with 7 nights in Tunisia from only £164pp including all inclusive board at the 4* Skanes Serail Hotel & flights. The weather in winter is much milder in Tunisia, meaning it's a welcome break at a decent price. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi, minicab, PHV, Uber: What's the difference?

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It hasn't gone unnoticed by just about everybody from within the licensed London taxi industry, that a massive proportion of the population in the U.K seem to be unable to differentiate between what is a taxi and what is a private hire vehicle.

Whether it be journalists reporting on the taxi and PHV industry, politicians legislating on both industries, or members of the public who just wish to travel from A to B, confusion seems to reign supreme as to the differences between the two industries.

As of March 2017, there was a combined total of 356,300 taxi and private hire vehicle driver licenses in England. In turn there was a combined total of 281,000 taxi and private hire vehicles licensed in England. These figures are updated every two years by the government.

Of that figure of 281,000 licensed vehices, 73% or 205,130 were private hire vehicles, leaving licensed taxi figures running at 27% or 75,870 vehicles in England.

As of July 2018 there are 23,608 taxi drivers and 111,097 private hire drivers in London.

So what are the differences between the two industries, and why is there so much confusion? The answer is simple the general public lack a basic knowledge of both industries. Sure you will get members of the public who do know the differences, and yes you will get the usual wind-up merchants who will tell you that there is no difference, without having the faintest clue as to what they are talking about, but in the main, it's good old general ignorance that defeats Joe Public when it comes to spotting the differences between taxis and PHVs.

Taxis

A taxi is a hackney carriage, the term black cab is also used, although this is a misnomer given that a massive proportion of taxis aren't Black.

As of March 2017, 58% of all taxis in England are wheelchair accessible, in London that figure is 100%, every taxi is wheelchair accessible.

In London there are currently 3 types of taxi on the road, the TX series, which is very traditional in its shape and style to its predecessor the FX series, akin to an oversized Mini. We then have the Mercedes Vito, which is a converted Mercedes Vito Van, and finally the LEVC taxi, which is the licensed taxi industry's first zero emission capable taxi.

The only way that you can become a taxi driver in London is to qualify, which means you have to pass a vocational series of exams called The Knowledge. This qualification process takes in excess of three years to pass before you can drive a taxi.

Taxis are available for immediate hire, are able to use bus lanes and can be hailed off of the street. Taxis can also accept pre-bookings via telephone, radio circuit and app.This applies all over the country. They are unmistakable due to the yellow light on the roof of the vehicle, which says taxi.

Now here comes the confusing bit, outside of London, in many areas around the U.K, taxis can be your average "bog-standard" saloon car, with a taxi sign on its roof. In many areas prospective taxi drivers have to do a topographical test, although it isn't as in-depth as The London Knowledge.

Outside of London, only around 55% of all of the taxis accross the U.K are wheelchair accessible. Many of the taxis outside of London share work platforms with private hire vehicles, such as using the same apps or radio circuits, it's pretty normal outside of London.

Private hire vehicles

A private hire vehicle is also known as a PHV or a minicab. There are no current statistics identifying how many PHVs are wheelchair accessible.

There is no vocational qualification required to drive a PHV in London, and any vehicle can be used as a PHV. Minicabs in London cannot carry door advertising and are subject to the 1998 Private Hire Act.

Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and cannot use taxi ranks. It is illegal for PHVs to ply for hire, and they cannot use active bus lanes.

Outside of London, the PHVs operate very similarly to their London counterparts, although they do carry more advertising.

Uber

Uber seems to be the "buzz-word" of the moment, however they are nothing more than a minicab app, no different to "Bobs Cars" in Orpington.

So there you have it, the differences between the taxi, the PHV and Uber. Theres now, no excuse for muddling up the two industries.

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Scorchio! All inclusive Dom Rep break from £565pp - incl. 7nts hotel, flights, bags & transfers

Wowzers pirates! If you still have some holidays to use up this summer, how about a week's all inclusive in the Caribbean?! Using a super cool discount code (see below) gets it down to this sensational price! You'll be spending 7 nights at the Caribe Club Princess Beach Resort, with flights, checked luggage, transfers included.… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Private Hire Driver suspended for leaving offensive voicemails on female passenger's phone

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A Bolton private hire driver has had his licence suspended for eight weeks after council officials were played offensive voicemail messages that he had left on a female passenger's phone.

The driver confessed to leaving voice messages on his customers phone but claimed the offensive remarks he made were in fact directed at a group of youths that were throwing stones at his vehicle, and also added that he thought he had ended his voicemail before making those comments.

Two previous complaints made against the same driver were presented to members of Bolton Council, leaving them no choice but to issue a punishment to the offender.

Members unanimously voted to suspend the man's private hire licence under the grounds of;

not being satisfied that he is a fit and proper person to hold a licence at this time.

According to a report in the Bolton News, during the same council meeting, a different driver was refused having a new licence issued after he was caught "plying for hire".

He was also found guilty of not having the correct insurance to carry passengers and will now have to serve a two year ban before being able to reapply for a new licence.

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Mykonos late season getaway from £248pp - 4nts hotel with infinity pool, breakfast & flights

Pirates, Mykonos is the place to be this year so why not head there this October on this great getaway for under £250 per person! For this Mykonos holiday you will stay in a great rated hotel with infinity pool with breakfast included each morning of your stay. The holiday is for 4 nights but… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mandatory disability awareness training for all taxi and private hire drivers

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I previously wrote about the Government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy that sets out its vision for improved accessibility in, amongst others, the taxi and private hire sector. The strategy stated that the Government will: “In particular…recommend that authorities require taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to complete disability awareness and equality training…” The Parliamentary Under Secretary of Transport, Nusrat Ghani MP, has now written to all licensing authorities. In the letter she said: “I also wanted to write to you about the accessibility of any taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) services which your authority may be responsible for licensing. Such services play a vital role in helping disabled people to remain independent and to complete door-to-door journeys, yet all too often they are inaccessible to those who rely upon them. I want all licensing authorities to play their part in ensuring that the taxi and PHV services they support meet the needs of passengers wishing to use them, including … requiring all taxi and PHV drivers to complete disability awareness training.” There is no suggestion in either the letter or the strategy that the Government will be seeking to legislate on the matter. It has however stated in the strategy that the Government will, by end of 2019, publish for consultation a revised best practice guidance to support local licensing authorities “…to use their existing powers more effectively”. It is certain that the Government will include a recommendation in the forthcoming best practice guidance that local authorities introduce mandatory requirement for all its licensed drivers to undertake disability awareness training. The Department for Transport’s best practice guidance is non-statutory guidance which means that licensing authorities do not strictly have to comply with the guidance. It technically therefore will depend on individual licensing authorities to decide if, and how, they will pursue mandatory disability awareness training in their local area. There is however a strong expectation by the Government – and the courts - that licensing authorities do follow the best practice guidance and only deviate in exceptional circumstances. The Department for Transport may intervene formally if licensing authorities do not adopt mandatory disability awareness training policies to a level expected by it. On balance, it is likely that most local authorities will adopt some form of mandatory disability awareness training for the drivers licensed by it over the course of the next 12 to 24 months. The cost of providing such training will, directly or indirectly (thought increased licence fees), be paid for by licence holders.

August 08, 2018 at 12:45PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Stephen McCaffrey THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT