New Uber CEO Apologizes To Londoners; Vows Changes

Following increased regulation and a removal of its license to operate, Uber’s newest CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, apologized to London consumers and vowed to make changes so that it can renew its ridesharing services in the city.

According to news from Reuters, citing an open letter to customers, Dara Khosrowshahi stated, “While Uber has revolutionized the way people move in cities around the world, it’s equally true that we’ve got things wrong along the way. On behalf of everyone at Uber globally, I apologize for the mistakes we’ve made.”

The CEO went on to say that Uber will appeal the decision to remove its operating license on behalf of its millions of customers in London.

Late last week, reports surfaced that London had stripped the ridesharing company of its license to operate in the city. The reason for the Uber ban, which will affect 40,000 drivers, is that the regulator for Transport for London (TfL) believes that Uber’s conduct represented a risk to public safety. As a result, the TfL has decided not to renew Uber’s license at the end of September. However, the ridesharing firm can appeal the decision within the next 21 days.

“Uber’s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues, which have potential public safety and security implications,” the TfL said. As Khosrowshahi stated, Uber plans to contest the decision.

“Transport for London and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice,” said Tom Elvidge, Uber’s general manager in London. “We intend to immediately challenge this in the courts.”

With the U.K. capital opting to not renew the license, Uber is turning yet again to its customers for help. According to a Reuters report, 500,000 people have signed an online petition in less than 24 hours calling for Uber to remain on London streets.