Eleven months after being granted a licence to operate in York, Uber says it is ramping up its service in the city.
Last June, City of York Council granted Uber’s private licence application for the first time since 2017.
It meant Uber was able to establish a base in York and recruit local drivers again.
That 12-month licence is nearing an end. An Uber spokesperson confirmed to YorkMix that the firm would be applying to renew its licence.
They said: “In terms of the number of drivers in York, we have had no issues signing them up and the service is going well.
“The service has been live since about September 2024 but as ever we continue to ramp up everything as more local drivers sign on.”
The spokesperson said they wouldn’t disclose the number of York-registered Uber drivers “for commercial reasons”.
They added: “We have an office at Regus York where the current licence is listed, but are planning on renting another office where we plan to link our renewal in July, demonstrating our commitment to York and the city centre.”
Uber’s application to return to York was fiercely opposed by taxi drivers in York.
A previous licence renewal bid was refused following a significant data breach and 155 complaints lodged against its drivers in the year leading up to the decision.
Uber was granted a private hire operator’s licence last June, with two conditions: that they would use geofencing to prevent pick-ups in Hackney taxi ranks and other specific places; and that Uber would disseminate information about Blue Badge access in York to its drivers.
Earlier this year Uber was granted a licence to operate by North Yorkshire Council. More details on its plans for the county would be released soon, Uber said.