Uber has recently lost its license to operate in London after authorities found out that more than 13,000 trips were taken with drivers who had faked their identity on the Uber’s app. Transport for London, the local government body responsible for the transport system in Greater London stripped Uber of its license by deciding not to renew the ride-hailing licence after a two-month probationary extension granted in September expired. Uber has failed to check on drivers, insurance and safety due to which the transport authorities took such a step. After Uber losing its license to ply in London, its competitor, Indian based OLA is currently trying to capture the market by registering drivers for the launch of commercial services in London. OLA which is a Bangalore based company already operates in British cities like Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool. The cab service company has also expanded to Australia and New Zealand apart from the UK. OLA is currently trying to set up a proper infrastructure in London by inviting private hire vehicle drivers to register with OLA’s platform. Simon Smith, head of international operations of Ola said, “We have built a robust mobility platform for London, which is fully compliant with TfL’s (Transport for London’s) high standards. We have had constructive conversations with the authorities, drivers, and local communities in London over the past months, and look forward to contributing towards solving mobility issues in innovative and meaningful ways".
