Sir Bert Massie CBE has raised concerns about introduction of the Uber App in London for private hire taxis in a letter to Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
Sir Bert Massie CBE, has worked in the charity sector for 40 years and, in 2007, was created a Knight for his services to disabled people. He acted as the Chair of the Disability Rights Commission (2000-2007) and Commissioner for the Compact (2008-2011
He wrote the letter to highlight the potential effect on accessible transport should black cabs be driven out of business because of greater use of the Uber App.
“The electronic meter that Uber use appears to me to be so close in function of the meters used in cabs that it represents unfair competition to the black cab trade. Yet drivers of black cabs have many more obligations placed on them including that of ensuring their vehicles are accessible to wheelchair users. I clearly have an interest in ensuring that there continues to be accessible taxis in London. However, unfair competition could eventually lead to a reduction in the number of hackney cabs and a point could be reached where such cabs become a threatened species. Failure to ensure the future of the accessible cab fleet would have a severe and negative impact on the ability of London to meet the travel needs of disabled people.”
You can view the full letter here.