London bans India’s Ola over safety concerns

According to Transport for London (TfL), it has found flaws in Ola’s operating model that have led to the use of unlicensed drivers and vehicles in more than 1,000 passenger trips.

TfL said the SoftBank-backed startup has 21 days to appeal the decision, while it can continue to operate during the process.

The development comes after Ola’s major rival Uber won a legal bid and was granted a new license to operate in the capital nearly a year after TfL rejected the US-based firm’s application over safety concerns.

Ola entered London’s taxi market in February. It’s up against Germany-based Free Now, Estonia-based Bolt, as well as traditional black cabs.

In May, Ola’s electric vehicle unit Ola Electric acquired European electric scooter company Etergo. It plans to build a suite of electric and smart mobility solutions globally and looks to begin producing its own EVs this year and launch its first scooter in 2021.