New trouble for Uber, faces ban in London

The ride-hailing company Uber has suffered a major setback as the transport authority of London announced to halt Uber’s operation after September 30, according to Independent report.

According to Transport for London, it was not renewing Uber’s licence to operate.

The transport authority released a statement and said, “Its regulation of London's taxi and private hire trades is designed to ensure passenger safety. Private hire operators must meet rigorous regulations, and demonstrate that they do so, in order to operate.”

The authority added that it considers that Uber's approach and conduct “demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications”.

However, Uber can appeal the decision within 21 days. It can continue to operate until that appeal process have been exhausted.

London is a key market for Uber and the current decision comes as the company is already battling a slew of legal cases and challenges elsewhere.

The California-based company has been involved in various controversies almost as many as seven countries. By-passing laws, lack of passenger safety and apathetic attitude towards Uber drivers are some of the few allegations, the company has been charged with.

In France, Germany, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, India and many other countries, Uber is facing trouble for various reasons.

In June, founder Travis Kananick resigned as from his role as chief executive officer in the face of shareholder outrage over company culture. Two months later, Uber Technologies Inc has finally found a new chief executive officer in Expedia Inc.’s Dara Khosrowshahi.

Khosrowshahi is facing challenges as the organization is still grappling with persistent losses, a high-stakes trade secrets suit filed by Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo, a tarnished brand and low morale among Uber’s more than 15,000 global employees.

It will be interesting to observe how the company recuperates from the current fiasco.