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Uber is a great concept, but the reality is that Uber has shown us time and time again why taxis cost what they do: regulation to protect users and our cities.

Uber is a great concept, but the reality is that Uber has shown us time and time again why taxis cost what they do: regulation to protect users and our cities. Uber, like AirBnB and a lot of other startups, are 'disrupting' industries by entering them and taking them over by ignoring regulations, insurance, and even laws to keep costs low and make a profit. In this day and age, they can grow fast enough that by the time cities see the repercussions and react to them, the companies are big enough and rich enough (and flush enough with VC money) to fight back, and are already entrenched with a loud and enthusiastic user base. In other words, Uber is great if you ignore the various safety and insurance regulations, background checks, licensing, etc. that taxis have to comply with.

xapata 8y ago
Uber provides commercial insurance, no? Other than that, I generally feel safer in an Uber ride than in a taxi.
- xapata 8y ago
  To explain: I've never been yelled at by an Uber driver. I have been cursed at by taxi drivers. Yes, more than one. They often don't like my destination and get mad at me for being in their cab. "I've been waiting for two hours, and you're going to Chinatown!? Fuck you!" (Not far enough) "Brooklyn?! Fuck you!" (Wants to stay in Manhattan) One cabbie was so pissed he went 70 in a 35 zone to demonstrate how annoying my destination was. Cabbies pretend to get lost so that the fare is longer. Uber will refund the difference. Etc. Etc.
jstarfish 8y ago
Regulation also limits the number of taxis out on the streets (for better or worse). Uber has no incentive to limit the number of drivers they employ. Our small streets are jammed with Uber/Lyft cars endlessly driving back and forth.
- xapata 8y ago
  Do they circle while not carrying passengers or going to pick up? I've observed them usually waiting by the curb for the next hail.

xapata 8y ago

Uber provides commercial insurance, no? Other than that, I generally feel safer in an Uber ride than in a taxi.

xapata 8y ago
To explain: I've never been yelled at by an Uber driver. I have been cursed at by taxi drivers. Yes, more than one. They often don't like my destination and get mad at me for being in their cab. "I've been waiting for two hours, and you're going to Chinatown!? Fuck you!" (Not far enough) "Brooklyn?! Fuck you!" (Wants to stay in Manhattan) One cabbie was so pissed he went 70 in a 35 zone to demonstrate how annoying my destination was. Cabbies pretend to get lost so that the fare is longer. Uber will refund the difference. Etc. Etc.

jstarfish 8y ago

Regulation also limits the number of taxis out on the streets (for better or worse). Uber has no incentive to limit the number of drivers they employ. Our small streets are jammed with Uber/Lyft cars endlessly driving back and forth.

xapata 8y ago
Do they circle while not carrying passengers or going to pick up? I've observed them usually waiting by the curb for the next hail.