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You seem to be implying that Uber wants news coverage of it's surge pricing during every humanitarian crisis. To me it sounds like a surefire way for activists
by chetanahuja 12y ago
You seem to be implying that Uber wants news coverage of it's surge pricing during every humanitarian crisis. To me it sounds like a surefire way for activists to push for laws banning the practice of surge pricing (more normally known as profiteering or price-gouging in a crisis).
- walterbell 12y agoHave activists been successful in changing Uber policies? Activists and irate taxi drivers generate even more news stories, i.e. more free coverage and watercooler talk for each Uber launch.
- chetanahuja 12y agoPerhaps you've not been following the news lately. https://www.google.com/search?q=uber+bans&oq=uber+bans https://www.google.com/search?q=uber+bans&oq=uber+bans
- walterbell 12y agoOne could argue that those events have not changed Uber policy, except for conciliatory blog posts. Uber, in their infinite wisdom, have chosen to lobby for legal changes in the court of public opinion, rather than working directly with regulators. Such an approach requires maximum public visibility to gain new riders before the service is shut down, in order to garner public support for reversal of court rulings. This playbook has been consistently applied in many cities globally. Cities and activists need to develop defensive strategies which do not play directly into Uber's campaign for maximum public visibility.