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> Uber argues that it provides more reliable service to minority consumers and underserved neighborhoods that have historically been discriminated against by ca

> Uber argues that it provides more reliable service to minority consumers and underserved neighborhoods that have historically been discriminated against by cab companies ... User testimonials bear this out[1] I don't see why Uber drivers, who often are or were cab drivers and which is less regulated, would discriminate any less. Does Uber require drivers to pickup specific fares (i.e., do they assign a driver to a fare in a poor neighborhood?). If they assign drivers to nearby fares, which seems necessary in order to pickup customers promptly, the drivers can just cruise wealthier areas. "User testimonials" can't bear out anything; it's not data, especially from a company with such a massive lobbying and marketing operation. [1] Note that this quote is another article, quoted by the this author

andrewpi 11y ago
In theory, areas with demand but no drivers will go into surge mode, encouraging more drivers to pickup fares in that area.
rconti 11y ago
For one, Uber penalizes drivers who refuse to accept a fare. In theory this may be the case with cabs as well, but how are you going to go after a cabbie who just drives off when you tell them you want to go to the wrong side of the tracks? (assuming you tell them before getting in the cab). This would also work to penalize drivers who are assigned a fare after dropping someone off in a bad neighborhood, and want to just GTFO without picking up the return fare. As mentioned, surge pricing should also help. Basically: Folks in less desirable neighborhoods may end up paying surge pricing more often (when being picked up at least). Of course, surge pricing is illegal for cabs in the name of "fairness". But if all fares cost the same amount, why risk it in a sketchier neighborhood?
- hackuser 11y ago
  > Uber penalizes drivers who refuse to accept a fare Does Uber assign fares to specific drivers? And do they offer/assign fares in locations far from the driver? Otherwise drivers waiting in wealthy areas won't be offered/assigned fares in poor areas. > This would also work to penalize drivers who are assigned a fare after dropping someone off in a bad neighborhood, and want to just GTFO without picking up the return fare. I imagine they could logout or simply decline the few fares required to GTFO Anyway, that's all theoretical. The answer only will come from some actual data.
HappyTypist 11y ago
Rejecting more than a quarter of requests (more or less) will get you temporarily deactivated. Keep it up and Uber will permanently deactivate you. There are also hourly guarantees in many markets, where you get a guaranteed minimum gross fare but one of the conditions is you must accept more than 90% of requests.
NamTaf 11y ago
In Australia, Uber guarantees a minimum wage in line with federal requirements (i.e.: if your fares earn you less than the minimum, they cover the difference). This is voided if you don't pick up something like 90% of your offered fares in a given hour. It stops people sitting there and just refusing all fares whilst still collecting the minimum wage, but also serves to make drivers accept all fares.

andrewpi 11y ago

In theory, areas with demand but no drivers will go into surge mode, encouraging more drivers to pickup fares in that area.

rconti 11y ago

For one, Uber penalizes drivers who refuse to accept a fare. In theory this may be the case with cabs as well, but how are you going to go after a cabbie who just drives off when you tell them you want to go to the wrong side of the tracks? (assuming you tell them before getting in the cab). This would also work to penalize drivers who are assigned a fare after dropping someone off in a bad neighborhood, and want to just GTFO without picking up the return fare. As mentioned, surge pricing should also help. Basically: Folks in less desirable neighborhoods may end up paying surge pricing more often (when being picked up at least). Of course, surge pricing is illegal for cabs in the name of "fairness". But if all fares cost the same amount, why risk it in a sketchier neighborhood?

hackuser 11y ago
> Uber penalizes drivers who refuse to accept a fare Does Uber assign fares to specific drivers? And do they offer/assign fares in locations far from the driver? Otherwise drivers waiting in wealthy areas won't be offered/assigned fares in poor areas. > This would also work to penalize drivers who are assigned a fare after dropping someone off in a bad neighborhood, and want to just GTFO without picking up the return fare. I imagine they could logout or simply decline the few fares required to GTFO Anyway, that's all theoretical. The answer only will come from some actual data.

HappyTypist 11y ago

Rejecting more than a quarter of requests (more or less) will get you temporarily deactivated. Keep it up and Uber will permanently deactivate you. There are also hourly guarantees in many markets, where you get a guaranteed minimum gross fare but one of the conditions is you must accept more than 90% of requests.

NamTaf 11y ago

In Australia, Uber guarantees a minimum wage in line with federal requirements (i.e.: if your fares earn you less than the minimum, they cover the difference). This is voided if you don't pick up something like 90% of your offered fares in a given hour. It stops people sitting there and just refusing all fares whilst still collecting the minimum wage, but also serves to make drivers accept all fares.