Ola's global march continues as it eyes UK entry within a month

After marking its entry into Australia earlier this year, Bengalurua-based Ola is now setting its sights on the ride-hailing market in the United Kingdom (UK) and has obtained a licence to operate in South Wales and Greater Manchester regions.

The company plans to start operations in the UK market within the next month, saying it would be the only ride-hailing player there that can legally offer customers both private hire and black cabs on its platform. It plans to further expand its presence across the UK by the end of 2018.

“Ola is excited to announce its plans for the UK, one of the world’s most evolved transportation markets. The UK is a fantastic place to do business and we look forward to providing a responsible, compelling, new service that can help the country meet its ever demanding mobility needs,” said Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder and CEO of Ola, in a statement.

Just like when it announced its entry into the Australian market in February, Ola seeks to sign up driver partners in cities such as Cardiff, Newport and Vale of Glamorgan, apart from the regions, before opening the platform for customers. The company says it will offer best-in-industry commission rates to its driver partners - 10 per cent for private hire vehicles and 5 per cent for metered taxis.

Four killed in New Year London stabbings

Four young men have been killed in stabbing incidents in London amid New Year celebrations, the Met Police said.

Three were stabbed on New Year's Eve and a fourth in the early hours of New Year's Day in unrelated incidents, BBC reported on Monday.

Another young man stabbed on New Year's Day is in a critical condition in hospital.

Five men have been arrested over the death of an 18-year-old in Larmans Road, Enfield. No other arrests have been made.

In the other attacks, a 20-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Memorial Avenue, West Ham, and a 17-year-old boy was killed in Norwood Road, Tulse Hill, on New Year's Eve.

Early on New Year's Day, a 20-year-old man was fatally wounded in Bartholomew Court, Old Street. A second man in his 20s suffered critical stab injuries in the same incident.

The fatalities in the final hours of 2017 took the number of people stabbed to death in the capital last year to 80, the Met said.

Commander Neil Jerome said: "I am grateful to Londoners and visitors to the capital who co-operated with police to enable the vast majority of people to enjoy New Year's Eve.

"However, there were small groups who chose to engage in disorder and violence, and whose actions have had utterly tragic consequences.
READ MORE