Ride-hailing platform Uber has secured a five-year private hire operator licence in York, marking its longest licence term permitted under UK regulations. The decision comes after a 12-month probationary licence granted in June 2024, during which Uber was closely monitored by City of York Council.
The council confirmed that Uber met all licensing conditions throughout the initial year, allowing officers to approve the full licence renewal under delegated powers.
This represents a major turnaround for Uber in York. Back in 2017, the council refused to renew Uber’s licence following a high-profile data breach and 155 complaints made against its drivers. Since then, the company has worked to rebuild trust with both the council and local residents.
Matthew Freckelton, Uber’s Head of Cities, welcomed the decision and pointed to the company’s growing footprint in York. “Since securing the licence with the council last year, we have recruited a number of local drivers,” he said. “We are growing in line with the very popular and successful tourism economy here in York. Many international visitors who are familiar with Uber rely on our app when exploring the city and surrounding countryside.”
Freckelton also highlighted positive feedback from council members and licensing officers across the country, stating that Uber is now viewed as “the gold standard in the private hire industry.”
The five-year licence renewal includes a continuation of two key conditions introduced last year. These require Uber drivers to be trained on accessing restricted areas in the city centre, including routes through bollards for Blue Badge holders, and to avoid using official taxi ranks.
Matt Boxall, Head of Public Protection at City of York Council, confirmed the council’s satisfaction with Uber’s compliance. “Over that 12-month period, Uber met the conditions of licensing to operate in York,” he said. He added that additional requirements remain in place, covering the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, the use of out-of-area licensed drivers and vehicles, and ensuring improved city centre access for passengers with disabilities.
Last year’s initial application faced significant opposition from local taxi firms, who raised concerns about the potential impact on their businesses. Despite the controversy, Uber’s latest five-year approval signals growing confidence in its operations within the city.
