Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, has outlined the company's ambitious plans to accelerate its transition to a fully electric fleet in the UK.

Speaking at Uber's annual green event at the Science Museum in London, on Tuesday October 8, Khosrowshahi emphasised the benefits of electric vehicles, describing them as "just plain better."

He dismissed the notion that EVs are a political wedge issue, stating that their superiority is undeniable.

To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, Uber is introducing new features and incentives. These include a dedicated EV request option for passengers and plans to reward the rider who saves the most emissions with free Uber rides for a decade. 

Khosrowshahi highlighted the significant growth in Uber's electric fleet, noting that the number of EVs on its platform has increased from 10,000 four years ago to 182,000 globally, with half a billion zero emissions trips completed and green rides now available in 32 countries.

In London, nearly 30% of all Uber miles are now electric as Uber drivers adopt EVs five times faster than the average motorist, he said.

The CEO attributed this success to Uber's efforts to make it easy for drivers and riders to try electric vehicles. Through test drives, events, rental partnerships and purchase discounts, Uber has encouraged adoption.

Drivers have reported increased tips, lower maintenance costs, and a more enjoyable driving experience.

While EVs have become a politically charged issue in many countries, Khosrowshahi believes that their benefits transcend political affiliations. He called for greater collaboration between policymakers and businesses to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

Khosrowshahi emphasised the need for more affordable EVs, stronger EV mandates, incentives for high-mileage drivers, and widespread availability of charging infrastructure in every community, not just the wealthiest.

He urged all stakeholders to play their part in creating a sustainable future.

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Chesterfield drivers staged a protest outside the town hall on Tuesday, October 8, to voice their concerns about the impact of Wolverhampton-licensed cabs on their livelihoods.

The drivers argue that the influx of out-of-town taxis is leading to a decline in business and income.

They claim that Wolverhampton-licensed drivers are parking in their taxi ranks, blocking their spaces, and offering cheaper fares, taking customers away from local drivers.

Many drivers expressed frustration with the current regulations, which allow drivers licensed outside the area to operate within Chesterfield. They argue that this unfair competition is losing them money putting and their jobs at risk.

Asim Javed, from Chesterfield, who has been a taxi driver in the town for over four years, said: “It’s a very big issue, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Wolverhampton drivers, out-of-town drivers, are parking in our taxi ranks, blocking our spaces so we can’t pick up customers.

“There is much more waiting time between the jobs and my income has been much lower. Even though the schools are back and it should be busy, it is not, because there are so many other drivers undercutting everybody else.

"It was a problem before, but it was a small number of drivers. Over the last two months, more and more drivers have been coming to Chesterfield from out of town.

"Each town has different prices and regulations. They are coming over here, offering cheaper drives and taking our jobs.”

Debbie McCann, owner of Central Cars, said: “The reason we are here today is the impact the Wolverhampton drivers are having on our taxi industry, including earning possibilities and safety issues.”

Omer Rafiq, a private hire and hackney carriage driver, said: “It doesn’t feel safe, doesn’t feel fair, it doesn’t make sense at all.

"It definitely has a financial impact. There are 16 cabs per street in Wolverhampton. They are not working there at all. Can you imagine all these cabs coming out of town taking our work?”

Local representatives met with Chesterfield Borough Council to discuss the issue, but the council emphasised its limited authority in the matter.

A council spokesperson said: “We welcomed local taxi driver representatives to Chesterfield Town Hall for a meeting today, to listen to and discuss their concerns around national rules which mean drivers who are licensed outside of the area can operate within the borough.

“We understand their frustrations and are committed to continuing to work together – however, the powers of local authorities in this area are limited as the current legislation and policy is set at a national level by the Government.”

A spokesperson for City of Wolverhampton Council said: “City of Wolverhampton Council currently licenses eight drivers who are resident in Chesterfield.

"While the council has never actively encouraged applications from drivers outside Wolverhampton, existing legislation requires that if an application is submitted and requirements are met, then the application must be granted.

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Wolverhampton Council is taking steps to curb the number of private hire drivers it licenses following a series of sexual abuse cases involving licensed taxis.

The council's decision comes after a significant increase in the number of licensed drivers over the past decade.

In 2014, there were around 1,200 licensed drivers in Wolverhampton. However, following regulatory changes, this figure soared to over 45,000, with drivers operating in towns as far away as Blackpool and Southampton.

Concerned about the potential reputational damage associated with licensed private hire vehicles being implicated in sexual abuse cases, the council is now seeking to deter new applications.

A report for the council’s latest meeting of its Audit and Risk Committee on 23 September 2024, highlighted the correlation between the number of licensees and the likelihood of serious incidents.

The report also referenced high-profile child sexual exploitation scandals in Rotherham and Telford that involved PHV drivers. It noted that licensed vehicles can provide a "camouflage" for trafficking vulnerable individuals and grooming activities.

In response to these concerns, the council is implementing measures to reduce the number of applications it receives, including requiring drivers to attend in person for licensing, which is designed to discourage people.

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As we approach peak season for taxi drivers, many will be working longer shifts behind the wheel - which can have a big impact on mental wellbeing.

Yet, according to the experts at The Taxi Centre,  taxi drivers may be reluctant to seek professional help during difficult times:

“For taxi drivers, there’s often a worry that visits to a GP or NHS professional could be recorded and flagged to the DVLA, raising concerns about their ability to drive.

“In reality, there aren’t any mental health problems that will automatically disqualify someone from driving. The DVLA handles each case individually to determine if a mental health problem impairs driving ability.

“However, the fear of losing their livelihoods might make taxi drivers think twice about getting professional help. And while this concern is completely understandable, it’s vital that taxi drivers take the necessary steps to safeguard their mental health.

“If you do feel like your mental health is impairing your ability drive, you should see your GP as soon as possible - as driving with an unreported issue could result in an £1,000 fine. For clarity, you can check if your health condition affects your driving on the government website.”

Ahead of World Mental Health Day, alongside encouraging taxi drivers to seek mental health support, The Taxi Centre has also shared guidance on how to better protect mental wellbeing when behind the wheel.

 1. Speak to other cabbies

If reaching out to a mental health professional feels overwhelming, remember you're not alone. There are many online and in-person communities that provide safe, supportive spaces to share your struggles.

Finding a group tailored to taxi drivers can be especially helpful., They will understand the unique challenges of the job and may have advice on managing difficult mental health days at work.

 2. Try calming breathing exercises 

Finding moments to unwind during your shift is essential. If you start to feel overwhelmed while driving, take a brief pause between fares to relax and catch your breath. Of course, it’s important to stay on schedule, but it’s okay to slow down if you’re feeling agitated or stressed too.

One quick and effective way to reduce stress is through box breathing. Inhale deeply for four seconds, hold your breath for four, exhale slowly for another four, and pause for four more. Repeat this breathing exercises a few times to help feel calmer and more relaxed before continuing driving.

 3. Find the best sleep routine for you

The long, unpredictable hours of taxi driving can make quality sleep elusive. But a good night’s rest is key to maintaining your physical and mental health. If you're not sleeping properly, your brain cannot function, and your mental health will likely suffer.

It’s recommended that you get at least eight hours of sleep. If you’re regularly struggling to hit that threshold, then you may need to adapt your sleep routine or tweak your bedroom set-up. For example, if you’re working the night shift, you could install a blackout curtain in your bedroom for a better sleep environment during the day. 

 4. Invest in a large, reusable water bottle

The European Food Safety Authority recommends you drink 1.6 litres – or eight glasses - of water a day.

It may seem like a lot when you’re sitting in the driver's seat all day. But to make it easier, you should invest in a large, reusable water bottle, rather than rely on the bottled water you get at the shops. Cars often get hot after a long day’s driving and, as a result, the plastic from the bottle can seep into the water, making it less safe to drink from.

 5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet

It can be hard to pack a nutritious lunch when you are on the road for hours on end, but the effects of good food on your mental health cannot be overstated. 

Prepping meals for the week makes it easier to stick to healthy habits. Choose protein-rich foods like lean meats or beans to stay full, pair with whole grains for energy, and add healthy fats like nuts or avocados.

Finally, don’t skip meals throughout the day, as it can lead to low energy and mood. Taking time to eat is just as important as what’s on your plate – so prioritise regular meals and avoid snacking.

 6. Stay active in between shifts

Staying active can be a challenge when you spend your days behind the wheel. However, just 30 minutes of exercise each day can work wonders for both your physical and mental health.

So, next time you find yourself between shifts, resist the urge to scroll on your phone. Instead, take a moment to stretch your legs and enjoy a walk around the block. Even light exercise can reduce your stress levels and improve your overall mood.

While you should still seek professional help if you’re really struggling, these tips can help improve your mental health while on the road. For more expert tips for cabbies, make sure to visit The Taxi Centre website: https://www.thetaxicentre.com

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A brave Edinburgh taxi driver is undertaking a remarkable 2,000-mile journey to donate her cab to the war effort in Ukraine.

Linda McHale, 62, set off on Monday, October 7, on a mission to deliver her Peugeot E7 taxi to Chernivsti, a city in western Ukraine.

The taxi, which is no longer eligible to enter Edinburgh's city centre due to emissions regulations, will be used to transport elderly and infirm Ukrainians to medical appointments.

Linda explained: "In Ukraine, it can be a minibus or an ambulance, anything they want. The idea is to take it from here to there and have it accessible for the local people."

Accompanying her on the journey is Pavel Corcitiuc, a Ukrainian mechanic and close friend of Linda's late partner.

She shared: "My dearly departed partner died two years ago, and one of his best friends is from Ukraine. It's to do with an attachment with the people over the years." 

Beyond her personal connection, Linda is passionate about supporting the war effort in Ukraine. She expressed her frustration with warmongers and those lacking empathy, stating: "There are so many things that shouldn't be happening."

The journey to Chernivsti is expected to take approximately four days travelling through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland before crossing the border into Ukraine.

Linda's departure was marked by a moving service at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Our Lady of Pochaev, attended by the Ukrainian Consul and Father Vasyl Kren. The taxi was also blessed before its journey.

The Edinburgh community has rallied behind her mission, with the Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers offering financial support. She is now heading to Ukraine with the backing of numerous sponsors.

To follow Linda's progress and receive updates on her journey, you can visit her Instagram account at @taxitotheukraine24.

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