10,000 taxi drivers in London are suing Uber for millions over the company’s taxi booking policies

Uber might lose more than $313 million as a result of a lawsuit filed by over 10,000 black taxi drivers who claim the ride-hailing behemoth violated London’s taxi booking regulations.

Uber’s activities in the capital between May 2012 and March 2018 are the subject of a group action lawsuit that was submitted to the High Court.

The taxi drivers contend that Uber violated the terms of its private hire license by deceiving Transport for London (TfL) about how its ride-booking system worked.

They claim that instead of using a central system like minicab services, the firm lets its drivers take reservations directly from clients.

The lawsuit alleges that Uber purposefully deceived TfL regarding the operation of the system in order to get its license, and that this booking method was “unlawful” as it did not adhere to private hire regulations.

The taxi drivers claim that since they had to put in more hours or lose out on business due to the popularity of the app, they experienced losses during this period.

RGL Management, under the direction of attorneys at Mishcon de Reya, has launched the BULiT21 collective action on behalf of the London taxi drivers.

It is projected that the aggregate claim value may exceed £250 million, with a maximum claim value of £25,000 for each taxi driver.

Uber’s spokesperson stated: “These outdated allegations are wholly baseless.

“Uber operates lawfully in London, is fully licensed by TfL, and is proud to serve millions of passengers and drivers across the capital.”

Since the accusations were first made in 2019, it is known that Uber and RGL Management have not communicated.

Up to 30,000 taxi drivers who work in London, according to RGL Management, may be able to join the organization and file a lawsuit against Uber.

In the next few weeks, additional drivers are encouraged to become involved.

“RGL is pleased to file this claim form today on behalf of over 10,500 London cabbies, a major legal milestone in holding Uber accountable for its failure to comply with the relevant legislation in the UK’s capital,” said Michael Green, director of RGL Management.

“Thousands of taxi drivers who are qualified to join yet haven’t done so. An expiration date is drawing near.

“RGL, therefore, urges drivers to register with the BULiT21 legal action as soon as possible to join with thousands of fellow cabbies in the pursuit of losses suffered at the hands of Uber.”

The lawsuit, according to Garry White, a 36-year veteran of the black taxi industry, calls for “justice and fair compensation” on behalf of London drivers.

“Uber seems to believe it is above the law and cabbies across London have suffered losses of earnings because of it,” he said.

Uber has already encountered problems with its London private-hire car license.

TfL refused to grant it a permit in 2019 due to concerns about potential violations of passenger safety and transparency problems.

However, it was permitted to go on with business as usual, and in 2022, it received a two-and-a-half-year license in London.