Uber Unveils Taxi Service Collaboration with London’s Black Cabs

Uber Technologies Inc. further expanded its ride-hailing services to British commuters after striking a deal with the popular London Black Cab taxis. The agreement will allow drivers to put their black cabs on Uber’s app so the locals can easily book them for a ride.

Uber and Black Cab taxis were strong rivals at one point, and now they are coming together to boost the operations of both sides. According to CNN Business, the San Francisco-based tech firm specializing in food delivery, ride-hailing services, and freight transport shared that some London drivers have already signed up for the service.

Schedule of Service Roll-Out

With some drivers already in the registry for integrating their Black Cab taxis on Uber’s app, the company said registrants may start using the service by next year. The company did not provide a specific date or time frame, but it is surely working on it now so it can be rolled out as soon as possible.

“A lot has changed since Uber first came to London, and I know lots of cabbies who first started out as Uber drivers,” the very first driver to sign up with Uber, Hameed Hameedi, said.

Andrew Brem, Uber UK’s general manager, also commented regarding the partnership, “Black Cabs are an iconic part of the capital, loved by Londoners and visitors alike, and we are proud to work side by side.”

Advantages of Access to Uber’s Ride-Hailing App

With the new deal, the first driver to sign up for the service said that he truly welcomes Uber because it will allow app bookings. He explained that this is because he will never waste time searching for passengers on the streets of London. Now, he can simply check out the Uber app to get to his next job.

He added that because there is no wasted time and gas when going around while looking for passengers, drivers can earn more as well. At any rate, with the London Black Cab drivers’ access to the Uber app, they can also get referrals from other passengers, plus rates are fair.

Meanwhile, CNBC reported that the news of Uber and London Black Cab taxis’ teaming up comes not long after the former augmented its taxi offerings in Los Angeles, Paris, and other major cities.

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