UberPool and PSV licensing

[PermitToTravel]

The UberPool service, for those unfamiliar with it, allows passengers to open the app and request a shared journey; and then pairs together passengers making similar journeys at similar times to allow them both to save money.

Each is charged a fare that AIUI depends on the journey they made (source). This surely is a textbook definition of charging separate fares.

Do Uber need a PSV Operator Licence to offer this service?

 

[takno]

The UberPool service, for those unfamiliar with it, allows passengers to open the app and request a shared journey; and then pairs together passengers making similar journeys at similar times to allow them both to save money.

Each is charged a fare that AIUI depends on the journey they made (source). This surely is a textbook definition of charging separate fares.

Do Uber need a PSV Operator Licence to offer this service?

According to https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa.../file/194259/PSV_Operator_Licensing_Guide.pdf you don't need a PSV licence in England and Wales if "your licensed taxi or private hire vehicle is used to carry passengers at separate fares provided all the passengers book in advance and agree when they book to share the cost". I'm not sure if UberPool actually fits that rule, but I daresay they have a small army of expensive lawyers who feel that it does. In Scotland it looks like you'd need both PSV and private hire licence

 

[philthetube]

Unless I am mistaken you need a PSV (PCV?) licence only if operating PCV vehicles, I think 8 seats or more.

 

[takno]

Unless I am mistaken you need a PSV (PCV?) licence only if operating PCV vehicles, I think 8 seats or more.

AFAIK PCV licenses relate to the driver, and PSV licenses to the operating company. The rules about what you need them for are different.

 

[Bletchleyite]

For clarity a PCV is a vehicle with 10 or more seats *including* the driver's seat.

A minibus (D1) is a subclass of this with between 10 and 17 seats *including* the driver's seat.

It is however possible to operate smaller vehicles under a PCV operating licence (rather than a taxi/PHV licence) in some cases.