London plans to rein in Uber with new rules

London’s transport authority unveiled proposed new rules for private hire taxi companies such as Uber by requiring them to limit working hours for their drivers, share data on travel patterns and ensure provision of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Companies “should ensure that drivers are treated fairly, ensure drivers have appropriate and reasonable working hours including appropriate breaks throughout their shift and have clear policies and procedures to keep drivers safe,” Transport for London said Thursday in its proposal. It also suggested ridesharing services should include the possibility of women-only vehicles.

Uber is already fighting a decision last year by TfL to ban the company from operating in the capital because of safety concerns. The company is allowed to continue operating during the legal process, and both Uber and the transport authority have expressed a desire to reach a compromise that will allow its 40,000 drivers in the capital to continue to ply their trade.


TfL said in Thursday’s announcement that current rules for private hire firms need updating because the market has changed beyond recognition since they were last amended.