Request ID: FOI-2152-2324 Date published: 10 October 2023
You asked
Hello,
Hope all is well!
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I was wondering if you could help me with the following questions please?
1. How many Uber drivers are currently operating in London?
2. Of these drivers, do you know which percentage are part of a fleet vs are independent drivers?
3. What are the different make/model cars drivers have?
4. How many drivers are using each different make/model type?
Thanks in advance!
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2152-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received on 18 September asking for information about private hire licensing.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold some of the information you require.
1. How many Uber drivers are currently operating in London? Private hire operators are required to provide us with details of the drivers and vehicles they have used to fulfil private hire bookings, or have had available to them to fulfil bookings on a weekly basis. However, licensed drivers are permitted to work for or be available to work for more than one operator. The number of drivers working for a specific operator is exempt from disclosure under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, as disclosure of this information could prejudice the operator’s commercial interests. Disclosure of this information would enable rival companies to have an insight into any operator’s business model by allowing them to calculate the size of an operator’s fleet, and thus undermine their position in the competitive market place. The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance feel that the balance lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that private hire operators can continue to be able to operate effectively without being placed at a commercial disadvantage. Please refer to the Decision Notice issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office for further details: https://ico.org.uk/media/action-weve-taken/decision-notices/2017/2172517/fs50676040.pdf. 2. Of these drivers, do you know which percentage are part of a fleet vs are independent drivers? We do not hold this information.
3. What are the different make/model cars drivers have? We regularly provide private hire fleet data, in addition to a wide range of licensing information, on our website.
4. How many drivers are using each different make/model type? As above, this information is published on our website.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt
FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
