What experiences do any of you have with Uber cabs?.
They had been refused renewal of their licence to operate in London (UK).
Failing to carry out proper checks on their drivers and dubious business practice are some of the reasons given.
Quite a Draconian measure, not done lightly. How are they regarded in the big cities in North America?.

Roger.

 

Not no but...

 

I have never used Uber, but I know people who have, including my wife, who has used it on several occasions in Orlando, Florida and my son, who uses in frequently in the Los Angeles area. No one who has used it that I've talked to, including my wife and son, has had anything but praise, and some people swear by it.

Regarding its being banned it London, I've read that that's all politics, the taxi unions are in bed with the city government, and anything the city cites as being wrong with Uber (business practices, background checks of drivers, etc.) are just as wrong with the regular cab companies.


The ridiculous expulsion of Uber from London

https://hotair.com/archives/2017/09/...n-uber-london/

 

London Hackney Carriages, the ubiquitous "Black Cab" are very likely the most tightly controlled and have the highest standards for both cabs and drivers in the world. It will take someone (of unblemished character) at least four years to get a licence. Small wonder they don't like unregulated competition. And that's the issue. There had been pre-booked cabs operating for years, but the cab companies and drivers have to pass a criminal record check, and the cars have to be in good shape, albeit not to the stringent Hackney Carriage standard. It was the drivers with dubious histories and dodgy employment practices that led to the suspension of its licence.


Nothing to do with politics. Btw it will be a hallmark day when any unions get in bed with our current government.Too much politics already, I was curious to see how Uber was regarded elsewhere.

Roger.

 

My sister-in-law in Minneapolis sold her car and uses Uber. She is very happy with that arrangement and reckons it saves her money.

 

It's not the federal government that the taxi unions are in bed with. It's the city governments, at least here in the U.S., that hand out the taxi permits, medallions, or whatever they're called.

 

My wife and I have used Uber several times. Usually during weddings/receptions to ensure we return to our starting point without breaking any laws and still have a good time. Never had any problems, drivers were always friendly and professional. Of course I've also spent much more time riding in cabs in less than friendly South American cities.. You are ALWAYS on guard, have easy access to a knife and a constantly evolving route of escape. If your driver seems to be making a detour, it is handy to ask why in native tongue. I would suppose these experiences make Uber seem like the teacup ride at Disney. That said, Uber is convenient, usually clean, affordable, no cash transfer way to commute..

 

Uber doesn't operate with medallions nor are they union. In reality Uber has caused the value of medallions to plummet. Yellow cabs in NYC are medallion cabs and at one time were worth over a million dollars each. Since there were only a certain number given out the value stayed high. Way before Uber they had something called "Gypsy Cabs" which was a blow to the yellow cab industry. Growing up in the city I referred to these cabs as rolling pharmacies, due to a great amount of them dealing drugs out the window. The politicians didn't care as usual because they got their tax money and the yellow cabs were usually immigrants who didn't get much representation. Since they were working 15 + hrs a day to pay for the medallion they had no time to fight this.

You are in fact correct about Uber being in bed with the local government, that's how they were able to flood the industry. Now it no longer pays to hold a medallion. Freelancing as an Uber driver is much more lucrative. Yellow Taxies have to follow strict guidelines that is much more lenient for non Yellow Taxies.

These "Uber Cabs" are a double edged sword. They have reduced people driving under the influence due to convenience and cost which, in my opinion is their greatest contribution, but on the other end they have caused major traffic issues and have decimated the cab industry.