Uber is suspending its UberX service in Athens, Greece, following the passage of new regulations that affect the ridesharing sector.
According to a post on Uber’s blog, UberX service will be suspended starting Tuesday, April 10, while the ridesharing service assesses if and how it can operate within the new regulatory framework. The company said that it would continue to offer UberTAXI service. The UberX service uses professional licensed drivers, while the UberTAXI service uses taxi drivers.
“We hope to work with all local stakeholders to find a way to enable Greeks to enjoy the benefits of modern technologies like Uber,” the company wrote.
According to Reuters, the new regulations require each trip to start and end in the fleet partner’s designated headquarters or parking area, which Uber does not currently do, as well as create a digital registry of all ride-sharing platforms and their passengers. The regulations come amid pushback from local taxi drivers, who have accused Uber of taking their business.
Uber launched in Athens in 2015, and since then it has offered trips to more than 450,000 locals and travelers, according to the company.
The move is the latest conflict with local regulations Uber has experienced in Europe. Last year London’s transport ministry ruled that the company was not “fit and proper” to hold a license to operate in the city over concerns regarding the company’s approach to reporting crimes, obtaining medical certificates, and allegations that it had used software to block regulatory bodies from gaining access to the app.
According to a separate report by Reuters, Uber’s appeal in London is set to be heard starting June 25. Uber can continue to operate in London until the appeals process concludes, which could take several years.
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