This is an extraordinary development. I cannot pretend to be at all knowledgeable about Uber but I do know its service has transformed the lives of millions of Londoners, making point to point travel safe, more convenient and a good deal cheaper. Because it uses an app and works via your smart phone, it is part of the structure through which busy people conduct their business, social and family lives.
The idea is part of the new style economy developing through the internet and smart phone, which has left many traditional service and retail industries in decline and fighting for survival. That prompts anger among black cab drivers and traditional mini-cabs which remain more or less with their old business model and declining sales. The Uber system of contract employment offers little in the way of employment rights and protections but a much more independent work pattern.
Clearly political pressures have built up and Uber clearly has work to do to satisfy the authorities that it can meet the required standards, but the decision of Transport for London to refuse Uber’s licence renewal is an extreme step which looks like a bad political miscalculation. The public across the whole world consider organisations like Twitter, Facebook and Uber theirs, not the product of politicians or authorities. A solution needs to be found fast. Or this will not end well.