A specific complaint has been made against a London Taxi driver regarding FreeNow UK’s policy of allegedly charging more than metered fare via their Taxi app, which in itself could be deemed as a contravention.
In a reply to the said complaint, TfL say they’ve taken action... but would not say what action they have taken.
An FOI request now shows that TfL -having no control over the Third party owners as Taxi apps for licensed Taxis do not need a TfL licence, unlike a Private hire operator- blamed the innocent driver and have endorsed his record for the contravention FreeNow caused by allegedly charging more than the metered fare.
FreeNow have been in the news of late for a 50% increase of their commission rate to drivers, rising from 10% to 15%.
Although this is the first complaint against a Taxi style app, it probably won’t be the last, as we’ve heard that Gett are now using an Uber style surge pricing system. Both apps have recently removed the word TAXI from their commercial name....(GetTaxi/Gett, and MyTaxi/FreeNow).
Below are the letters sent from TfL to the complainant and the driver. It’s clear from TfL’s letter to the driver, that they hold the driver responsible for overcharging the customer.
TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT :
Last year I sent numerous complaints (6 in total) to TfL's Graham Robinson who has till now ignored every one. He has so far made no attempt to contact me and I have been informed by a member of staff at TfLTPH that the email account I used to make the complaint has been blocked, which seriously affected my licence renewal earlier his year.
I will be making an official complaint through my org (LCDC) against TfL's Graham Robinson.
I sent him a complaint about a Taxi app which was dispatching work to TfL registered Private Hire vehicles through a Taxi App which did not have a private hire operators licence.
The first email was sent 18th May 2018.
I resent the email 28th May, 7th June, 28th June, 29th June, 3rd July and 4th July asking why he was ignoring my complaint.
All emails were CC to my MP Gareth Thomas and Caroline Pidgeon neither of whom contacted me.
I will post update to the complaint here on Taxi Leaks.....Watch this space
