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I think these uber wars are going to be interesting from a historical perspective. We're kinda seeing which governments are unusually protectionist and resistan

I think these uber wars are going to be interesting from a historical perspective. We're kinda seeing which governments are unusually protectionist and resistant to change. No surprise France, Netherlands, and Spain are on this list. Considering those countries have fairly weak to poor economic growth, one would think a bit of economic liberalisation would go a long way. That's the funny thing about protectionism, it keeps voters happy (cab lobbies, unions, etc) but it tends to kill innovation, the economy, and job growth. How do these countries expect to improve their situation? More deficit spending and EU bailouts like Greece? How companies like Uber are treated may be a canary in a coalmine situation for hurting economies. If companies like Uber can't be allowed to compete, then who will? Who will make the new jobs and create new value?

TazeTSchnitzel 12y ago
I'm not sure that enforcing existing laws and closing loopholes that allow illegal taxi services to pretend to be ride sharing is "protectionist".
- drzaiusapelord 12y ago
  That language is a little loaded. These aren't taxis. Taxis are cars that sit and take fares from the street. They take up room, add to traffic, etc. This more like requesting a car service, which is pretty common in big cities. Taxi regulation being used to stop it is a sign of corruption, not law enforcement. I think there are regulatory hurdles to be crossed here, but a wholesale banning of the service is extreme, short-sighted, and anti-business.
- pbreit 12y ago
  Why is driving someone around in a car for money illegal? It's dangerous? They should be forced to take all passengers to all locations? It's disgusting that we've reached a point where people are so comfortable curtailing commercial activity. And without needing to put forth any reasoning beyond "it's illegal".

TazeTSchnitzel 12y ago

I'm not sure that enforcing existing laws and closing loopholes that allow illegal taxi services to pretend to be ride sharing is "protectionist".

drzaiusapelord 12y ago
That language is a little loaded. These aren't taxis. Taxis are cars that sit and take fares from the street. They take up room, add to traffic, etc. This more like requesting a car service, which is pretty common in big cities. Taxi regulation being used to stop it is a sign of corruption, not law enforcement. I think there are regulatory hurdles to be crossed here, but a wholesale banning of the service is extreme, short-sighted, and anti-business.
pbreit 12y ago
Why is driving someone around in a car for money illegal? It's dangerous? They should be forced to take all passengers to all locations? It's disgusting that we've reached a point where people are so comfortable curtailing commercial activity. And without needing to put forth any reasoning beyond "it's illegal".