Uber to begin operating in Tunbridge Wells

The firm has been granted a licence and plans to sign up drivers in the borough

Uber has been granted a one-year licence to operate in Tunbridge Wells by the local council.

The firm, which already operates Uber Eats in the Kent town, will now offer its taxi service there, as well as in the surrounding towns of Paddock Wood and Southborough.

A spokesman for Uber confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service its licence has been granted and said it was planning to sign up drivers in the borough.

Uber has faced opposition from established taxi, private hire and Hackney Carriage firms throughout the country in the past, with many claiming lower prices are undercutting licensed taxis and leading to unfair competition.

Tunbridge Wells is one of the most expensive places in Kent to get a taxi after the council raised prices in December

In 2014, black cab drivers demonstrated in their vehicles across London in opposition to the introduction of Uber.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) increased the standard fares taxis were allowed to charge in December, making it one of the most expensive places in Kent to get a cab.

Uber did not confirm the date it would start offering services in the town.

The one-year licence period is common when Uber first starts working with a licensing authority.

'Duly awarded'

A spokesperson for TWBC said: "'Uber applied for a licence in the same way as any other operator.

"They went through the full licensing application process, which includes an assessment against the council's policies, and were duly awarded their licence on 17 July 2025."

An announcement was posted on social media by a senior councillor before taxi drivers in the town were informed.

The council has been approached about the way the decision was announced.