Black cab drivers launch £250 million class action lawsuit against Uber

A group of more than 10,000 London black cab drivers has launched a class action lawsuit against Uber, alleging the ride-hailing platform breached taxi booking rules between 2012 and 2018.

The drivers are suing for loss of earnings throughout the period, and the lawyers handling the case claim the cab drivers could be in line for payouts totaling around £250 million, with each cab driver’s claim worth up to £25,000.

The drivers claim Uber misled Transport for London over how it operated its ride-booking system and therefore breached private hire licensing rules. They allege that the company allowed its drivers to accept bookings directly from customers, rather than going through a central system.

The cab drivers say that during this time they suffered losses as a result of having fewer customers as increasing numbers of customers started using the Uber app.

The group action has been filed on behalf of the cabbies by a company called RGL Management. The action is known as BULiT21, and the solicitor handling the case is law firm Mishcon de Reya.

An Uber spokesman responded to the claim, saying: “These old claims are completely unfounded. Uber operates lawfully in London, is fully licensed by TfL, and is proud to serve millions of passengers and drivers across the capital.”

Michael Green, director of RGL Management, said: “RGL is pleased to file this claim form today on behalf of over 10,500 London cabbies, a major legal milestone in holding Uber to account for its failure to comply with the relevant legislation in the UK’s capital. There are still thousands of cabbies eligible to join who have not yet done so. A cut-off date is fast approaching.”

He continued: “RGL therefore urges drivers to register with the BULiT21 legal action as soon as possible to join with thousands of fellow cabbies in the pursuit of losses suffered at the hands of Uber.”