Uber Applies for Private Hire Licence to Operate in Reading

Uber applies for licence to operate in Reading following local demand

Ride-hailing giant Uber has officially applied for a private hire operator licence to begin operations in Reading, following persistent demand from local residents and drivers. Although the company operates in many UK cities and neighbouring towns such as Wokingham, Oxford, Fareham, and Southampton, Reading has remained an exception due to previous regulatory hurdles.

Uber’s latest move comes after an anonymous group of local drivers raised the issue, and a 2022 Change.org petition supporting Uber’s entry into Reading gathered 363 signatures. The company's presence in the area has already been felt, with passengers managing to book rides in Reading using a legal loophole, even without Uber holding an official licence from Reading Borough Council.

A spokesperson for Uber expressed optimism about the application:

"We are in the process of applying for a licence to operate in Reading and hope the council will welcome this opportunity. Uber will boost earning opportunities for local drivers, provide passengers with greater transport options across the city and support the local economy."

”Uber will boost earning opportunities for local drivers, provide passengers with greater transport options across the city and support the local economy.”

If approved, the cost of a five-year licence will depend on the fleet size. Operating with 41 to 100 vehicles will require a payment of £15,241, while a fleet exceeding 101 vehicles would incur a fee of £18,851.

Uber's previous attempt to secure a licence in Reading in 2016 was unsuccessful. According to Reading Borough Council, the application was rejected because Uber did not meet key licensing conditions. Notably, the company declined to establish a staffed local office, which is a requirement for handling customer service, inspections, and compliance checks.

A spokesperson from Reading Borough Council noted:

"Uber applied for and was refused a Private Hire Operator Licence in 2016 based on it not being able to fulfil all the conditions attached to a private hire operator licence issued by the council in Reading."

The council has since reiterated its stance on licensing conditions, emphasising that all operators must maintain a staffed presence in Reading. This requirement ensures that enforcement officers can perform compliance checks and handle complaints effectively.

"Having private hire businesses operate remotely and without staffed offices results in the council being unable to efficiently carry out on-site compliance checks or investigate complaints and incidents as they happen."

Despite previous hurdles, the council confirmed that Uber or any other operator can reapply at any time, and each application will be assessed on its own merits.