Uber granted operating licence in Tunbridge Wells as recent expansion continues
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Uber has been granted a one-year private hire operating licence by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), expanding its presence in Kent beyond food delivery.
The US-based firm, which already runs Uber Eats in the area, will now be permitted to offer ride services using locally licensed drivers and vehicles. The council confirmed Uber’s application was processed in line with its standard procedures and approved on 17 July.
A TWBC spokesperson told the BBC the application was treated like any other, with a full assessment against existing policies. Councillor David Hayward added on social media that Uber will be required to use only council-licensed vehicles and drivers while operating within the borough.
The move comes after the council raised hackney carriage fares in December 2024, making Tunbridge Wells one of the costliest places in Kent to take a taxi. Private hire operators like Uber are not bound by council-set tariffs and can adjust pricing based on demand.
Uber’s expansion into Tunbridge Wells is part of a wider 2025 UK growth plan. The company has most recently launched services in Oxford, York and Aberdeen, all operating under local licensing arrangements. Each of these locations reflects Uber’s continued strategy of entering local markets across the country.
Cllr Hayward said on social media: “A licence has been granted today for Uber to operate from premises within the Borough of Tunbridge Wells. As with all our licensed operators, Uber will only be able to use TWBC licensed vehicles and drivers."
