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London Insists on English Requirement For Private Hire Drivers (reuters.com)
An anonymous reader shares a Reuters report: London's transport bosses said on Monday that all drivers of private hire vehicles must speak, listen to, read and write English to a set level, intensifying a battle with taxi app Uber which says the expected standard is too high. Earlier this year, the capital's transport authority said it would introduce the measure as part of a series of stricter rules on apps such as Uber and private hire firms like Addison Lee whilst supporting the city's iconic black cabs. The move prompted San Francisco-based Uber, which allows users to book journeys on their smartphone, to take legal action arguing that the written component was too demanding. But on Monday, regulator Transport for London (TfL) said drivers will have to take either an English proficiency test or provide proof, such as a British school qualification, that they can meet the required level.
The problem Uber was changed from its original intent. Initially it really was for computers who were all going to the same place, and the driver could make a few bucks while bringing a bunch of of other people to the same area they were going. It wasn't really a Taxi service, just a way to share your ride. Then due to the great recession people used it as a source of full time income because that is what they could do.
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
If you are working a public facing job...you NEED to speak the fucking language, period.
If you're doing something that doesn't require you to interact with the general public ...then fine, work that while you're learning the language of the land, but if you're dealing with me, speak the damned majority language of the land.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
London Black Cabs are known for having extremely rigorous training requirements. They are trained on the city layout and must know the history of various landmarks. More along the line of tour guides than just drivers.