Uber is a transport company, says European court

The European Court of Justice has decided that Uber is a transport company, not simply a digital service in a ruling that could have a significant impact on the development of the “gig economy”.

Uber has been developing its Uber Eats delivery service alongside its taxi service in the UK.

In September Transport for London refused to renew its operating licence saying: “TfL considers that Uber’s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications.”

Uber is currently appealing against that ruling.

This latest ruling from the ECJ, means that national governments will be able to regulate Uber and similar technology providers as transport companies in the future.