London transport regulator strips Ola's operating licence over public safety failings
05 October, 2020
London's public transport authority stripped Indian ride-hailing company Ola of its London operating licence, saying that the taxi iphone app had not been "fit and proper" to carry one, having put passenger safety at risk.
Bengaluru-based Ola entered the London taxi market in February this season. The marketplace is dominated by rivals including Uber, Freenow and Bolt, and traditional black cab drivers who previously blocked streets in protest at what they see as a threat with their livelihoods.
Transport for London (TfL) said in a statement that it refused to grant Ola, a Softbank-backed operator, a new London private hire vehicle (PHV) operator's licence since it "cannot think it is fit and proper to carry one after discovering numerous failures that could have risked public safety."
TfL's decision came days after Uber won a legal bid to revive its London operating licence, that was recinded over safety concerns, after a judge ruled that the business was a fit and proper operator despite "historical failings".
TfL said it had learned several failures in Ola's operations, including breaches of its licensing regime, which resulted in unlicensed drivers and vehicles undertaking a lot more than 1,000 passenger trips on the platform's behalf.
Ola was also accused of failing woefully to notify Tfl of the breaches if they were first identified.
"Ola can continue to operate pending the results of any appeal process", TfL said, adding that Ola had 21 days to appeal against TfL's decision.
Within an emailed statement, Ola said it had been working with TfL through the review period and "have sought to supply assurances and address the problems raised within an open and transparent manner".
"Ola will need the possibility to appeal this decision", the company said, adding it could continue steadily to operate as normal.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
TAG(s):