3 ms·

> We partner with local, established chauffeur services in each city where we operate. Thus we don’t have any of the conflicts, regulatory mess or slashed tire

> We partner with local, established chauffeur services in each city where we operate. Thus we don’t have any of the conflicts, regulatory mess or slashed tires which have come to symbolize Uber.” Why can't Uber do this? Don't they, with their black car service? UberX is the "problem child" of Uber, isn't it?

toomuchtodo 12y ago
Because Uber doesn't believe it has to follow local laws/regulations regarding transportation services. Have fun blowing that VC money chaps!
- prostoalex 12y ago
  Before UberX launch they used to be big believers into licensing, etc. But Lyft's growth spooked them into launching UberX http://techcrunch.com/2012/07/01/uber-opens-up-platform-to-non-limo-vehicles-with-uber-x-service-will-be-35-less-expensive/ http://techcrunch.com/2012/07/01/uber-opens-up-platform-to-n... which kinda dragged the entire company into this antagonistic realm.
mseebach 12y ago
Yes and no. Yes, Uber partners with existing licensed black cars services (or their drivers, not sure of the exact mechanics), yes, X is controversial in its own regard (and Pop even more so) - but: some of the controversy is around how Uber makes black cars behave more like cabs - as in, you can almost-hail them on the street, rather than properly pre-booking them. I think I read that in Germany, black cars have to return to their base between each fare, specifically to avoid this (I also recall reading that Uber complies with this, don't know how that works).
prostoalex 12y ago
A lot of those guys happily accept bookings made in advance (not just airport rides, but proms, wine tours, weddings, etc.), so the idea of them getting dressed up, driving to an airport and simply waiting for on-demand ride might not resonate. Blacklane, Limos.com, Wingz all allow for pre-arranged airport transportation, hours and days ahead. I don't know why it's not an Uber option yet.

toomuchtodo 12y ago

Because Uber doesn't believe it has to follow local laws/regulations regarding transportation services. Have fun blowing that VC money chaps!

prostoalex 12y ago
Before UberX launch they used to be big believers into licensing, etc. But Lyft's growth spooked them into launching UberX http://techcrunch.com/2012/07/01/uber-opens-up-platform-to-non-limo-vehicles-with-uber-x-service-will-be-35-less-expensive/ http://techcrunch.com/2012/07/01/uber-opens-up-platform-to-n... which kinda dragged the entire company into this antagonistic realm.

mseebach 12y ago

Yes and no. Yes, Uber partners with existing licensed black cars services (or their drivers, not sure of the exact mechanics), yes, X is controversial in its own regard (and Pop even more so) - but: some of the controversy is around how Uber makes black cars behave more like cabs - as in, you can almost-hail them on the street, rather than properly pre-booking them. I think I read that in Germany, black cars have to return to their base between each fare, specifically to avoid this (I also recall reading that Uber complies with this, don't know how that works).

prostoalex 12y ago

A lot of those guys happily accept bookings made in advance (not just airport rides, but proms, wine tours, weddings, etc.), so the idea of them getting dressed up, driving to an airport and simply waiting for on-demand ride might not resonate. Blacklane, Limos.com, Wingz all allow for pre-arranged airport transportation, hours and days ahead. I don't know why it's not an Uber option yet.