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Posted on the 21st July 2025 in PHTM News
ABINGDON CABBIE FEARS CLOSURE AS UBER'S "AGGRESSIVE" PRICING HITS LOCAL FIRMS
An Abingdon taxi firm owner says his business is "struggling" and could be forced to close due to ride-hailing giant Uber's "aggressive" pricing tactics since its launch in Oxford and surrounding areas in February.
Yaseem Yusuf, who runs Thames Valley Taxis, claims his trade has fallen by 50% and that Uber's practices are "squeezing out local firms who could not afford to operate at a loss."
He fears his three-year-old business and other small taxi companies may "not exist in the area" within two years.
"We're only small and the fear factor is that [Uber] might end up muscling us out of trade," Yusuf stated.
He specifically cited Uber's large, time-limited discounts as something local firms "can't match" because they "have to find a way to replace the money we [would] be losing." He added: "We're struggling to find ways to offer customers a good deal but also sustain a small business."
In response, an Uber spokesperson said: "The launch has improved transport options for everyone" and emphasised that "Oxford is a thriving city with a huge workforce, student community and booming tourism sector – there is huge demand across the city which all operators can compete for."
Uber also highlighted "new earning opportunities for local drivers, all of whom have access to industry leading worker rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through GMB Union."
Councillor Anna Railton, deputy leader and cabinet member for a zero carbon Oxford, confirmed that Uber's application "was reviewed against the same criteria as all other private hire operators in the city" and "the licensing authority found no reason to refuse the application."
However, Yusuf is particularly concerned about his elderly customers who "do not use smartphones" and rely on traditional taxi services. "They have a very basic telephone and they give us a call, they are happy with our service," he explained, adding: "If we don't generate income, sadly the business will be lost."
These concerns come after a University of Oxford study last month found that Uber's dynamic pricing had led to higher fares for passengers and lower earnings for drivers, while increasing the company's share of revenue. Uber has dismissed some claims in that report as "totally false."
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