3 ms·

I don't think this is the right approach. IMO, what we need a platform for regional driver co-ops. You obviously wouldn't have the consistency of Uber and Lyft,

by namlem 10y ago

I don't think this is the right approach. IMO, what we need a platform for regional driver co-ops. You obviously wouldn't have the consistency of Uber and Lyft, but the service would take only a tiny cut since they don't have to provide anything other than the app. When you want to hail a car, you'd be able to choose from any local services, which are responsible for the vetting and insurance of drivers. It has its flaws, obviously, but such driver co-ops already exist in some places, so I think it could work.

Kalium 10y ago
It's possible that consistency may be a large part of the value proposition of Uber or Lyft. I can go across the country and get a ride with a company I have some level of trust in. Regional co-ops do what taxi companies did, forcing me to re-evaluate everything all over again in every new place.
- bogomipz 10y ago
  Where's the consistency in getting into a stranger's car every time you use a service? The consistency would be the app? Often Uber drivers also drive for Lyft and vice versa. If the same drivers also embrace Libre Taxi I fail to see any fundamental difference in the experience.
  - Kalium 10y ago
    Consistency in which app to use, the experience in using it, payment handling, insurance, customer service, and driver vetting. All of these offer value individually and in their consistency across locations. You're right! It's absolutely possible that every driver may embrace Libre Taxi. In which case there would be no advantage whatsoever in terms of consistency.
- pitaa 10y ago
  Definitely true. My parents recently went on vacation to a US city that isn't exactly the safest (IMO). Their hotel didn't offer an airport shuttle, and they've been burned by taxi drivers in the past. I explained the concept of uber to them, installed the app on their phone, and told them to press the button when they wanted someone to pick them up and the ride would automatically be billed to their credit card. When they returned they told me how "nice all the drivers were" and how they weren't going to pay for shuttles ever again. There's no way I would have given them the app for some local taxi co-op, but uber I trust enough to assume its generally reliable in any US city.
- avivo 10y ago
  The co-ops can be members of an international org that ensures quality and consistency among its members.
  - Kalium 10y ago
    You're right! That's absolutely possible. It would certainly address consistency issues. It's an excellent hypothetical answer. I, personally, suspect that this possibility is not likely to be realized in the near (1-3 years) future.

by namlem 10y ago

Kalium 10y ago

It's possible that consistency may be a large part of the value proposition of Uber or Lyft. I can go across the country and get a ride with a company I have some level of trust in. Regional co-ops do what taxi companies did, forcing me to re-evaluate everything all over again in every new place.

bogomipz 10y ago
Where's the consistency in getting into a stranger's car every time you use a service? The consistency would be the app? Often Uber drivers also drive for Lyft and vice versa. If the same drivers also embrace Libre Taxi I fail to see any fundamental difference in the experience.
- Kalium 10y ago
  Consistency in which app to use, the experience in using it, payment handling, insurance, customer service, and driver vetting. All of these offer value individually and in their consistency across locations. You're right! It's absolutely possible that every driver may embrace Libre Taxi. In which case there would be no advantage whatsoever in terms of consistency.
pitaa 10y ago
Definitely true. My parents recently went on vacation to a US city that isn't exactly the safest (IMO). Their hotel didn't offer an airport shuttle, and they've been burned by taxi drivers in the past. I explained the concept of uber to them, installed the app on their phone, and told them to press the button when they wanted someone to pick them up and the ride would automatically be billed to their credit card. When they returned they told me how "nice all the drivers were" and how they weren't going to pay for shuttles ever again. There's no way I would have given them the app for some local taxi co-op, but uber I trust enough to assume its generally reliable in any US city.
avivo 10y ago
The co-ops can be members of an international org that ensures quality and consistency among its members.
- Kalium 10y ago
  You're right! That's absolutely possible. It would certainly address consistency issues. It's an excellent hypothetical answer. I, personally, suspect that this possibility is not likely to be realized in the near (1-3 years) future.