You will undoubtedly have seen in the media that Transport for London has declined to renew the license for Uber regarding taxi services. This decision was taken for a number of reasons, which include concerns over the personal safety of passengers using this service. Other city authorities across the world have also voiced their doubts about Uber’s operation.
Whilst these Licensing issues are being considered and Uber’s appeal process is being undertaken, they remain an unlicensed service; The University of Kent advises that until such time as the matters are satisfactorily resolved Staff and Students should refrain from using Uber Taxi service, including business journeys on behalf of the University.
The TFL decision can be found at : https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2017/september/licensing-decision-on-uber-london-limited . The licence decision has been made on the grounds of risk around Uber’s approach to reporting serious criminal offences, medical reporting, Disclosure and Barring, and Uber’s use of software that prevents regulatory or law enforcement duties. These four areas effectively expose any Uber passengers to a higher level of risk than taking licensed cabs. It is unlikely Uber will operate differently outside of London. For these reasons, the University recommends that staff and students do not use Uber until the licence decision changes.
Please do not use the Uber service unless there are no alternatives to Uber.
In regards to International Travel, The University does not have visibility of the working practices abroad, and staff and students should take care before taking any services.