Transport for London blames Brexit uncertainty for surprise fall in passenger numbers November 27, 2017 Transport for London (TfL) has blamed an unexpected fall in passenger numbers on Brexit uncertainty and "economic factors affecting the whole of the UK". The transport body said in its draft business plan for 2018/19 to 2022/23: We have seen lower growth in demand for our services than previously forecast for this year, largely owing [...]
Citymapper runs into Transport for London’s Uber innovation buffer in private hire licence application November 21, 2017 One of the UK’s top startups is the latest to have its ambitions thwarted by London’s transport regulator, which has been accused of dragging its heels when it comes to supporting innovative new companies in the wake of its row with Uber. Citymapper has been left waiting months for approval for a private hire operator [...]
Forget the Night Tube: Night Overground services start in east London on 15 December between New Cross Gate and Dalston Junction November 20, 2017 We heard back in July that Night Tube services were coming to the Overground, and now we have an official date. Night Overground services kick off in east London on Friday 15 December, with 24-hour services operating on Friday and Saturday nights on the London Overground between New Cross Gate and Dalston Junction, extending to [...]
Roadblock for rise of electric taxis in London with slow progress on rapid charging point installation November 18, 2017 London’s mayor has said that targets to improve the city’s infrastructure for electric vehicles are likely to be missed, ahead of upcoming changes that will mean all new taxis in the capital have to be zero emissions capable. New licensing requirements come into force from 1 January 2018 to reduce emissions from the taxi fleet [...]
Spotify buys Soundtrap, a Stockholm-based music startup November 17, 2017 Spotify has bought Stockholm-based music startup Soundtrap, it said today. The music streaming giant’s new acquisition allows users to create music online using a web-based production studio similar to Apple’s Garageband software. Today Spotify said Soundtrap was “highly aligned with Spotify’s vision of democratizing the music ecosystem”. Read more: Finally getting back together: Taylor Swift [...]
Spotify’s the latest tech giant to invest in London November 16, 2017 Spotify is the latest tech company to commit to London after Brexit with fresh expansion plans. The streaming giant which is expected to soon go public, will double its current 200 staff in the UK over the next two years with a major focus on research and development. The capital will become a “major hub” [...]
Uber licence appeal could take years, says London mayor Sadiq Khan November 16, 2017 Uber’s appeal against a decision not to renew its licence in the capital is likely to go on for years, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said. “My understanding is that it could go on for a number of years,” said Khan, speaking at Mayor’s Question Time on Thursday morning. Read more: Uber’s targeting [...]
Interiors: As we face a future without wood-burning stoves, we look at alternative ways to fire up the home November 16, 2017 Earlier this autumn Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, caused a storm by announcing plans to put restrictions on wood-burning stoves, forbidding the burning of solid fuel in certain zones. If they go ahead, it’s not only the authenticity of a stone-baked pizza from your favourite pizzeria that would be extinguished – the aromas and hypnotic [...]
Goldman banker: UK will be like “Cuba without the sunshine” under Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn November 15, 2017 A Goldman Sachs banker has said the UK would be like “Cuba without the sunshine” if Jeremy Corbyn becomes Prime Minister. Speaking at a private equity conference in Amsterdam, investment banker Bobby Vedral said that Theresa May’s government was so chaotic it could collapse, leading to a Corbyn-led administration. Read more: Sadiq Khan and Jeremy [...]
Opinion: If the Mayor of London wants to serve everyone, he’ll keep flexible tenancies November 15, 2017 Sadiq Khan recently announced his draft housing strategy, in which he hopes to use the proposed London Model for renting to improve the private rented sector. Initially, this will bring together tenants and landlords to consult upon reforms, including the proposal for longer term tenancies. All contract lengths are negotiable between the landlord and tenant [...]