Wolverhampton private hire firms set to join forces creating a super fleet to combat Uber

Two of the largest private hire firms in Wolverhampton are set to join forces to take on ride-hailing giants Uber. ABC Cars and 24/7 Cars will combined to create a super firm with a fleet of 700 vehicles. Uber have already taken a large amount of business from private hire firms in the West Midlands, with many having to go out of business, but the bosses of ABC and 24/7 believe by joining forces it will give them the best chance of tackling the influx of Uber drivers in town. According to a report in the Express and Star , the plans for a merger are in advanced talks and if it was to get the go-ahead it would make the new firm one of the top 20 largest private hire companies in the country. Bosses believe that joining forces and finances they have a much better chance of combating Uber than if they were to try separately. Although the merger would not be straightforward with the need of new purpose-built offices, both firms are optimistic that this is the best way forward. Uber currently have a temporary licence in Birmingham while regulators seek more details of their current business model, but with Transport for London's decision, following a court appeal, to grant Uber a 15 months probationary period licence on Tuesday, Uber could well see a similar route taken by Council officials in Birmingham.