Uber's new threat: taxi start up rival could swoop in over london ban

Lyft, a car service similar to Uber, has gained a foothold in the US market angering its direct rival Uber. But it may be set to swipe even more business from Uber in London after holding

secret talks with Transport for London bosses last year. Lyft, a company based in San Francisco, is worth £5.5 billion ($7.5 billion).  It has held a series of talks with transport bosses in

a bid to operate in the UK - as it believes London is open for business. Transport for London (TfL), said on Friday that it would not renew Uber's licence when it expires on September

30, citing a lack of corporate responsibility. The agency said the factors it considered included Uber's "approach to reporting serious criminal offences" and its use of

software designed to evade the authorities. London's mayor Sadiq Khan said on Saturday that people angry about the decision should blame the ride-hailing company itself. Mr Khan said in

a statement that it would be wrong "to license Uber if there was any way this could pose a threat to Londoners' safety or security. Uber has 3.5 million customers and 40,000

drivers in London. The firm has long been a target of complaints from taxi drivers and companies.  Cab drivers say Uber drivers don't have to comply with the same licensing standards,

giving the ride-hailing service an unfair advantage and placing the public at risk. Uber said it plans to appeal and accused London's regulator of caving in to special interests

"who want to restrict consumer choice". It can keep operating in the city pending the outcome of the appeal. More than 500,000 people have signed an online petition protesting the

decision not to renew Uber's license.  Sensing an opportunity, Lyft executives, including head of global strategy Mike Masserman, and chief strategy officer Raj Kapoor have held three

meetings in the UK and two by phone with TfL. Last year, the Lyft bosses met with TFL’s taxi and private hire division Helen Chapman. Lyft, whose slogan is “a ride whenever you need one” was

founded in 2012 and now operates in at least hundred cities and all 50 states in the US. If the ride-hailing service wants to make the leap to operate in the UK it will need to apply to

become a registered company and obtain a private licence hire. John Zimmer, Lyft’s co-founder said: "We're the fastest growing ride-share company in the United States right now.

"Lyft treats people better than competition. So whether that's drivers or passengers, that goes into the car experience. That's why more and more people are choosing

Lyft."