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Posted on the 19th June 2025 in PHTM News
UBER SECURES FIVE-YEAR LICENCE TO OPERATE IN YORK AFTER INITIAL 12-MONTH LICENCE
Ride-hailing giant Uber has been granted a five-year private hire licence to continue operating in York, the longest period permissible under current legislation.
The decision, made by City of York Council officers through delegated powers, follows a 12-month probationary period that began in June 2024.
The council stated that Uber "met the conditions of licensing to operate in York" during this initial period, paving the way for the longer renewal.
This marks a significant turnaround from 2017 when the council refused to renew Uber's licence due to a "significant data breach and 155 complaints lodged against its drivers."
Matthew Freckelton, Uber's head of cities, expressed the company's delight, noting that expansion into other cities has taken place over the past 18 months. He highlighted Uber's growing presence in York, now based at the Bonding Warehouse, and its commitment to recruiting local drivers.
"Since securing the licence with the council last year, we have secured a number of local drivers," Freckelton said.
"We are growing in line with the very popular and successful tourism economy here in York. Lots of people who come from abroad and are familiar and comfortable using Uber in their own countries, rely on Uber as their first point of calling when getting around York and into the countryside."
Freckelton also revealed that in meetings with councillors and licensing officers across the country since early 2024, Uber is seen as "very much the gold standard in the private hire industry."
Two key conditions imposed last year remain in force: ensuring drivers know how to access the city centre through bollards for blue badge holders and guiding drivers away from official taxi ranks.
Matt Boxall, head of public protection at City of York Council, confirmed the decision, stating: "Over that 12-month period, Uber met the conditions of licensing to operate in York."
He added that the renewal "inclusive of additional conditions approved by the committee at that time, including conditions relating to the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, the use of drivers and vehicles that are licensed in other areas, and the importance of providing city centre access for Blue Badge holders."
The initial 12-month application last year faced opposition from local taxi associations who voiced concerns about the impact on their livelihoods.
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