A family-run private hire firm has retained its licence after making "significant improvements" during an appeal process.

Cab My Ride challenged what it called "inaccuracies” in a report made to the Licensing Sub Committee at the Southampton City Council earlier this year. Councillors had revoked the licence on the basis of the report.

The appeal was made by the director of the business Arjan Sahota and led to a consent order being signed by the firm and the council at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on November 14.

Arjan said: “We are pleased to announce that, effective immediately, we will continue to retain our three operator licences in Southampton: Aryvo, Bitterne Cars and Cab My Ride.

“Today, we move forward, stronger and more committed than ever, ready to serve the community we love with renewed passion.”

READ MORE: Taxi firm learns fate in two areas after having Southampton licence revoked

The decision to revoke the licence in February was made after the committee considered a report listing a string of complaints and warnings to the business.

Complaints included wheelchair users being overcharged, children being driven to and from school in an unlicensed and damaged vehicle, and questions about the conduct of the former director, who resigned in 2020.

Since then, several changes have been made to the business’ operations.

Arjan said: “We have implemented a comprehensive retraining program, which has positioned us as one of the most compliant safeguarding operators in Hampshire.

“This was achieved by collaborating with industry-leading experts to ensure we met the highest standards of safeguarding procedures.

“Our software system also underwent a thorough review by a Digital Forensic Investigator, who confirmed that it provides a robust platform for assigning drivers and monitoring their compliance with statutory regulations.

“The system also includes additional measures that remind drivers of their obligations to passengers, the licensing authority, and the tasking firm.”

Southampton City Council confirmed “significant improvements” were made.

A spokesperson said: “Following the cancellation of the operator licences for Cab My Ride, Aryvo and Bitterne Cars undertook significant improvements in various areas of their business.

“The licensing authority felt they were then fit and proper to operate and felt able to allow the appeal.

"Neither party made applications for costs by consent, therefore, no award of costs was made.“