Uber bid for taxi office in Fife sparks objection from cabbies
Tech platform Uber wants to open a taxi booking office in Fife - but the move has sparked objections.
The global business operates in several Scottish cities, and has now submitted an application for a licence to operate out of a base at Rosyth Business Centre.
It said there was “strong demand” for Uber in the Kingdom, but East Fife Taxi Association (EFTA) has raised “serious concerns” about its plans which would see the creation of a 24/7 centre. It also criticised Fife Council for what it described as “extremely poor communication” with the local taxi trade.
Linda Holt, spokesperson, said: “Our members operate to the high standards set and enforced by Fife Council and are part of the communities they serve.
“We have significant concerns about the impact this application could have on local drivers’ livelihoods, passenger safety, regulatory fairness and the long-term sustainability of the trade.” Its formal complaint covers several points. It claimed the named day-to-day manager resides in York, corporate control and operational systems is centralised outside Fife, and the Rosyth premises appear to be a nominal administrative address rather than a genuine operational base.
It said: “These factors raise enforceability and public safety concerns.”
EFTA said it supports fair and lawful competition, and criticised Fife Council for its “failure to properly communicate the application to the licensed trade.” Added Ms Holt: “Fife Council recently held a meeting with taxi operators across Fife to improve communication and engagement with the trade. Many operators are surprised and disappointed that members of the Licensing Department and Committee did not mention the Uber application, despite it having been lodged on January 23.”
An Uber spokesperson said: “We see strong demand for Uber in Fife and hope to offer people a safe, affordable and easy option to get where they need to go. If our application is granted, our services will offer new earning opportunities for local drivers.
“On Uber, all drivers have access to industry-leading worker rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through GMB Union. We look forward to having constructive conversations with local stakeholders ”
The application will be considered by the council’s Regulation & Licensing Committee in due course.