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because there is a market inefficiency. now they cause a different inefficiency.

• _emacsomancer_ 8y ago
  But limited-supply medallions isn't the obvious solution in any case.
  • gammateam 8y ago
    correct its one of many solutions, some of which probably work in tandem but without reinventing the wheel, medallions can probably be reimplemented in a better way. instead of turning the drivers into debt serfs, Uber and Lyft can buy all the medallions until the municipality stops issuing them. it is an anti-spam prevention, anti congestion in this case. it'll also likely force the ride hailing companies to likely be even more discerning about their drivers the negative? well yes the egalitarian side job that "anybody" can do is probably going away now. fares may also go up. this was inevitable.
    • _emacsomancer_ 8y ago
      I don't think Uber/Lyft are ideal solutions by any means. But I still think their origin can be traced to numerous problems with taxi services, definitely including the false economy of medallions. But taxi companies in the US have been ridiculously poor providers of service. Prior to Uber/Lyft, I had numerous problems with taxis, e.g. even scheduling them 24 hours ahead, they would show up late, resulting in being late to work or (nearly) missed flights; the dispatchers would lie about drivers accepting credit cards; etc. etc.. > fares may also go up. this was inevitable. Right now Uber/Lyft are subsidising fares. Once they've achieved market dominance, they will surely raise rates.