(Image: Getty)
Scottish taxi drivers have said they will fight on as council bosses ignored 400 objections and granted American ride-hailing service Uber a licence to operate in Fife.
Owner of St Andrews Taxis Linda Holt described the council’s decision as “absolutely appalling.”
She explained: “Fife Council have completely disregarded the public's objections, despite the fact Uber has had multiple licensing problems in the past, for example in London, where they were at first, refused.
“The Fife taxi trades are united on this issue. Taxi firms, including us have called to blackball drivers who choose to work for Uber. The Dundee firms also did this and as a result Uber struggled to hire drivers, weakening their presence in the city.
“We are more than a taxi service. We support our community by serving charities, helping people and forming a relationship with our customers. You will not get that with Uber.”
Ms Holt said her taxi firm will be raising money to appeal against the council’s decision, with approximately £2,700 raised.
She said: “Fife Council chose to serve Uber over their own community. I do not think you can overstate the anger in the taxi trade towards the council about this.”
Tahir Muzammil, owner of Dunfermline city taxis, said: “Uber’s arrival is definitely going to change things and whilst it may offer passengers more choice, there are real concerns for local established businesses.
“We have invested heavily in our fleet and our reputation. We want to make sure all drivers operate fairly and to the same high standards that Fife passengers expect and deserve.”
Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance said: “Taxi firms in Fife already have a shortage of drivers and this is a real problem.
“If companies are struggling to recruit now, and Uber hires more drivers, local businesses will struggle massively.
“Fife taxi companies have a place within their communities. Many of them have been there for decades, they serve charities and have contracts with schools, football clubs, local businesses, and the Fife Council.”
Mr Torrance said Uber could bring some benefits to Kirkcaldy high streets. He said: “I think the company will be good for serving the high street, specifically club and pub users, especially if you cannot find a taxi available during that time.
“Safety is a big concern for women at night, and it will be better to seek quick transport like Uber as opposed to waiting or walking.”
UberX functions as an app-based booking system, connecting the customer to the driver and providing fast convenience to those travelling around, typically costing lower fees than traditional taxi fares.
Uber is already available in Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Fife council and Uber were both approached for comment.