Uber just had its billionth ride.. and it was in London December 30, 2015 Uber has passed another milestone in its short history. Not only is it the most highly valued startup in the world, but its one billionth ride was taken on Christmas Eve – and it happened right here in London. That one billionth ride was a £5 UberX from London Fields to Hoxton and comes just five [...]
Google Maps update integrates black cab ordering option via Gett and Hailo alongside Uber in iOS and Android app March 15, 2016 Anyone searching for journey information on Google will now be offered fares in one of London's black cabs in map search results, giving the traditional industry a leg up in its battle with Uber. The latest Google update for iPhone and Android phone users will include integration with Gett and Hailo, the London-based apps for ordering a [...]
Global telecoms giants form pact with car makers to develop 5G self driving infrastructure September 27, 2016 Some of the world’s biggest telecom equipment makers have pledged to work with car giants on the infrastructure required to make driverless vehicles a reality. Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Nokia, and Qualcomm will work with German car makers Audi, BMW, and Mercedes owner Daimler to put together the technology. It’s understood the group of companies are [...]
What Brexit? UK hiring is about to increase to its highest in three years December 13, 2016 Hiring in the UK private sector is set to grow eight per cent in the coming quarter, bringing it to its highest rate in three years despite lingering Brexit fears. The expectation of more jobs in financial services, utilities and construction has resulted in a positive outlook for employment in the new year, according to a [...]
Fintech growth and approaching “Uber moment” will see 30 per cent staff reduction in a decade across banks in Europe and United States, Citigroup report predicts March 31, 2016 The banking industry in Europe and the US is approaching an "automation tipping point" – or "Uber moment" – according to a new report by Citigroup. In a "digital disruption" note, Citi said the rise of fintech companies will mean these traditional banks reduce employee numbers by 30 per cent in the next decade. Read more: Fintech revolution? Banks will [...]
Learner drivers could soon be allowed on Britain’s motorways in training shakeup unveiled by government December 30, 2016 Susceptible to a spot of road rage? Well, impatient drivers better look away now. For the government has unveiled plans to let learner drivers have motorway lessons. That’s right: those learning to drive will be allowed to have driving lessons on motorways for the first time, as long as they're with a driving instructor in [...]
British tech sector slams President Donald Trump’s migration block, echoing US counterparts January 30, 2017 British tech bosses have echoed their American counterparts by criticising President Donald Trump’s executive order banning travel to the US for people hailing from several majority Muslim nations. Just days after Prime Minister Theresa May met the President in a bid to reinvigorate the “special relationship”, she was forced to distance herself from his controversial order on [...]
Uber has cut its prices by 15 per cent in New York City January 29, 2016 Controversial cab-hailing app Uber has cut its prices by 15 per cent in New York. The New York Post reported that the company, which is facing competition from an increasing number of similar offerings in NYC and across the world, was planning on dropping its base rate to $1.75 per mile (£1.23), from £2.15 at the moment. [...]
This $2m report just killed calls for a limit on Uber driver numbers January 18, 2016 Uber has been delivered a boost in London after a new report concluded the taxi-hailing service has little effect on city congestion. The report, quietly published on a Friday before a public holiday, ended previous attempts by New York mayor Bill de Blasio and City Hall to cap for-hire vehicle numbers in the city. It comes amid similar calls by the London [...]
London mayoral election 2016: Labour candidate Sadiq Khan wants to crack down on Uber drivers to “level the playing field” March 1, 2016 Labour London mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan has hinted that he might crack down on Uber if he is elected in May. During an interview on London radio station LBC, Khan noted there had been a spike in the number of private hire vehicles, including Uber, at the cost of the number of black cabs on the streets. [...]