Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are busy shuttling passengers around all over the Denver Metro Area. Ridership is beginning to pick up after a major slowdown caused by the COVID-19 stay at home orders. While many people find the cost of convenience worth the downsides of rideshares, some cities are trying to get rid of Uber because of the multiple safety problems. 

Uber License Not Granted in London 

In a city better known for The Tube and Black Cabs, London has a lot of problems with the safety failures of Uber. The city's transportation agency, Transport for London (TfL) first announced they would not renew Uber's license to operate in September 2017. 

When Uber was notified that their license would not be renewed, TfL said the company needed to address numerous safety issues, including insurance coverage and driver checks. Uber appealed, and a judge granted a 15-month extension, then another extension, now a hearing is planned for September. Until the hearing is decided, Uber can continue to operate in London. 

One of the most concerning “pattern of failures” is the Uber app allowing unauthorized drivers to upload their photos to another Uber driver's account. According to TfL, there were at least 14,000 fraudulent trips in London by unauthorized drivers, putting passenger safety and security at risk. 

Another problem with the app service was allowing, “dismissed or suspended drivers to create an Uber account and carry passengers, again compromising passenger safety and security.” There were also problems with allowing the use of vehicles without the proper insurance coverage.

Are the Uber Safety Updates Meaningful?

Uber has claimed they addressed the safety issues cited but the city is concerned that Uber's systems appear to be easily manipulated. In many cases, the rideshare company is aware of safety issues and ways drivers try to get around any restrictions but fail to take immediate action to protect passengers. 

Why is London so important to Uber? According to the company's disclosures, almost a quarter of all sales are in just 5 cities: 

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• São Paulo
• London

London is not the only place giving Uber the boot. According to a BBC article, Bulgaria and Hungary no longer allow Uber to operate and Uber pulled out of Denmark because the country required Uber drivers to have fare meters and seat sensors. Other countries have partial Uber bans. 

Lyft does not have the same problems in London or many other countries because Lyft primarily operates in the U.S. As of last year, the only place outside the U.S. where Lyft was available was Canada. Even in Canada, Lyft only operates in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.

Uber Accidents in Colorado

Rideshare accidents can cause injury to the drivers, passengers, or others on the road. If you were injured in a traffic accident involving a Lyft or Uber vehicle, you should be compensated for your losses. Contact accidentdenver.com today at 303-642-8888 for a free consultation. We are here waiting for you.