A controversial taxi service which uses 

mobile phone apps to book cars is 

coming to Wakefield.

Uber has successfully applied for a private hire operator’s licence from Wakefield Council.

Wakefield is the fifth British city to get the new services, which uses a smartphone app to connect passengers and drivers, cutting out the use of taxi companies.

Taxi drivers around the UK have voiced concerns over the regulation of the app, which they say is effectively a meter, which only black cabs are entitled to use.

No cash changes hands when taxis are booked through Uber, with charges automatically processed through the passenger’s card details.

Last June, a protest was held by cabbies in London bringing roads to a standstill and Leeds taxi drivers also protested last October at the arrival of Uber in the city.

Tom Elvidge, Uber’s general manager in Yorkshire, said 10,000 people in Wakefield had opened the app since it launched in Leeds.

http://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/business/business-news/mobile-app-taxi-firm-to-arrive-in-wakefield-1-7143133

Comment:

Why have Uber picked Wakefield.? Wakefield borders Leeds southwards into West Yorks.

Uber  have shown their tactics here in Greater Manchester, I believe they will now plan further launches in Barnsley and then Sheffield.

That would then give them control over West Yorkshire, from North to South all along the M1 motorway corridor.

I would advise our West Yorks colleagues to monitor planning applications in Barnsley and Sheffield and perhaps arrange objections.