Uber wins key victory in fight to stay in London

London gives Uber another chance.

The transport company received Tuesday a 15-month probationary license from a British court, which will allow it to continue operating in London.

Uber was able to convince a judge that the company had made significant changes to its business and business culture after a local regulator, Transport for London, declared that The company was not a "suitable" company.

Uber's future in London, one of its largest global markets, has been questioned after Transport for London refused to renew its license last September and said its approach and his behavior demonstrated a lack of corporate responsibility. Uber was allowed to continue operations in London during the appeal process.

But over the past nine months, Uber has taken steps to clean up his act in the hope of recovering his license.

Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber in the UK, said that the company was "happy" with the Westminster court ruling and that she planned to continue working with Transport for London " to address their concerns and earn their trust.service possible for our customers. "

In the UK, Uber adds a 24-hour assistance line for passengers and drivers, driving hours and advisory groups, and is taking steps to ensure that drivers can not use that Uber in the area where they are fired. changes.

In a city known for its iconic black taxis, the prospect of London without Uber has proved particularly disturbing for the 3.6 million people who use it regularly in the city and the 45,000 licensed drivers who matter on Uber for a living.

A Change.org petition to "save Uber in London" garnered more than 850,000 signatures. After Uber's license refusal last year, newly-CEO Dara Khosrowshahi traveled to London to meet with regulators and drivers, and promised to work together to find a solution.

Uber has turned out to be a valuable part of London's infrastructure. The company said four out of ten trips start or end near a train station or London subway stop, which helps find a solution for the first or last mile between two locations.