TfL Ref: FOI-2237-1617

Thank you for your email received by us on 11 February 2017 asking for information about Uber’s operator license.

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. You asked:

A)Did the Head of Taxi/Private Hire know if Uber had an operation/booking centre?

These are regulatory requirements that must be met in order to apply for a private hire operators licence. As with any other private hire operator, Uber London Limited was required to meet these requirements.

B) Did the Head of Taxi/Private Hire know if Uber had a landline with which the public could use to directly contact Uber?

As above, these are regulatory requirements that must be met in order to apply for a private hire operators licence. As with any other private hire operator, Uber London Limited was required to meet these requirements.

C) Did the Head of Taxi/Private Hire know that when booking an Uber car, it was booked directly with the driver, directly opposed to TFLs rules?

Uber London Limited is required meet the same licensing conditions as all other private hire operators, this also includes accepting bookings at their licensed operating centre in London

D) Was the method of operation known by TFLs Head of Taxi/Private Hire to be E-Hailing?

Clearly, the introduction of smartphone technology has changed aspects of both the private hire and taxi industries including the time it takes between booking a private hire vehicle and the journey starting. Please also see our response to point C.

E) Was the Head of Taxi/Private Hire given proof that all drivers were properly vetted and insured?

All private hire operators are required to keep particulars of the drivers and vehicles that are available to carry out bookings accepted at that centre, including insurance.

In addition, regular licensing and compliance checks are carried out on all private hire operators, including Uber, to ensure they continue to meet requirements.

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London