In a very negative news for India-born cab hailing app Ola, London has banned their services in the city.
The main reason cited by the sources is that Ola was responsible for several illegal trips, wherien unlicensed drivers complted the trips, which is not allowed.
What will be the future of Ola in London?
Keep reading to find out more..
Ola Banned In London Over Illegal Trips
Transport for London or TfL, which is the transportation authority in London has banned Ola from conducting any trips.
TfL discovered to their horror that Ola is enabling illegal rides.
It seems that unlicensed drivers were completing trips, which is against the rules put forward by TfL.
Around 1000 such illegal trips were conducted, as per the reports. This has put safety and security of passengers at risk, and is not allowed.
Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of licensing, regulation and charging said, “Through our investigations we discovered that flaws in Ola’s operating model have led to the use of unlicensed drivers and vehicles in more than 1,000 passenger trips, which may have put passenger safety at risk,”
What’s Next For Ola?
Ola has 21 days to appeal against this order, and make things work out.
In the meanwhile, for these 21 days, Ola can run their services.
Helen said, “If they do appeal, Ola can continue to operate and drivers can continue to undertake bookings on behalf of Ola. We will closely scrutinise the company to ensure passengers safety is not compromised.”
As per Marc Rozendal, Ola’s UK Managing Director, they are closely working with TfL to resolve this issue, and have provided assurances that they will monitor all drivers, and will ensure that only licensed drivers are undertaking the trips.
He said, “We have been working with TfL during the review period and have sought to provide assurances and address the issues raised in an open and transparent manner,”
Ola’s main rival in India and London: Uber too was banned by TfL last year, but now, their license to operate in London has been approved.
Uber was accused of 14,000+ illegal trips made by unlicensed drivers.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.