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Uber banned from london
Chrysalis:
Starting October 1st.
I am pretty shocked, the UK as we know with how broadband is regulated by ofcom is very heavy a competition economy. Yet this decision has removed an innovator that was shaking up the taxi industry.
I am a heavy user of taxis and can give an idea how much better uber is.
I used to use citylink in Leicester for most journeys, typically you would need to book at least 2 hours in advance to be sure of a slot, and if it was during busy times, you could expect it to be late, but not know how much its late as was common practice for the operator to lie to me on the phone "just round the corner mate", 10 mins later still no taxi
I needed cash on hand to pay the drivers, and had no record of journeys unless asking for a receipt which typically was price written on a card with the taxi branding on it.
Uber, I book using my phone on the app, its a transaction that is fully automated, everytime I have made a booking its been accepted by a driver within 5 seconds. Never ever waiting, maybe 10% of the time the taxi driver is doing a dropoff, but that dropoff is close to me on their way to me, so in those situations is maybe a delay of 1-2 mins at the most. The drivers are always my side of town and usually within 5 streets when accepting the job. I can track them on GPS so know where they are, and if I know they coming from the wrong way to pick me up on the side of the road I am on, I can cross the road in advance ready as well. Payment is automated no cash needed.
I also get every 11th journey free on a barclaycard offer. For me the cost is on average about 10% down, what I would used to spend, plus another 10% for the offer so maybe 20% saving although occasionally there is surge charging which makes it expensive, for me the gain is how much more convenient and reliable the service is versus a traditional taxi service.
Uber also allows you or the driver to contact each other should there be a problem with the taxi driver finding you.
The drivers I have chatted to, prefer it as well, most of them used to work for the traditional firms and are working full time for uber. They e.g. now get guaranteed payment as its automated, they can accept jobs near where they are, whilst a normal taxi firm could make them travel across town to their next job. They can log off the system whenever they want so the hours are basically flexible.
Just signed the petition which has only been up for a matter of hours and is fast heading to the million mark already.
Black Sheep:
We've muttered about this subject before, Chrys, and I too am a massive fan of Uber when I wander in to Manchester.
I haven't read the reasons as to why London have decided as they have, but I heard a snippet on the radio suggesting it was partly due to the "Publics safety" ??
I may try and find time to read up on it later, off to work now. :(
broadstairs:
Having worked in and around London for years when working I have always been a fan of Black Cabs. I think in London in particular the safety issue is a real one, there is no real vetting of Uber drivers like there is for Black Cabs plus how many Uber drivers know how to get from A to B in London without a sat nav especially when confronted with a traffic jam or accident etc., plus how many can be sure of taking the quickest route. I have lost count of the number of black cab rides I have taken in London and it always amazed me when we dived off down a side street always to emerge in the right place at the right time.
If a Black Cab has an accident or breakdown it is off the road until properly assessed and if a Black Cab driver commits a crime or even a motoring offence he risks being off the road permanently.
Now if Uber wants to work in London they simply must have a very strict open and fair vetting procedure for their drivers and ensure they have no criminal past. Also they must vet the vehicles and ensure correct insurance is in place and not leave any of this up to the drivers to sort. I'm sure that there are a lot of very trustworthy folk driving for them BUT and in my view it's a big BUT I do not believe that they have done enough to prove that no less desirable drivers are behind the wheel or god forbid ones with no or inadequate insurance.
I do not think it fair to compare Uber with Black Cabs in London they are completely different, however comparison with private hire is valid.
Their business model might be great in principle but as in so many cases companies try to do this on the cheap and complain when they are challenged because their implementation is flawed, which in my view is the issue with Uber. Even their bosses have had issues and have had to resign over them.
Stuart
sevenlayermuddle:
I’m also a big fan of the London black cabs. The professionalism of the drivers, and the regulations that control them, render them pretty unique. Uber may have a place in other cities, but not in London, imho.
Dray:
Looks like you're in a minority
--- Quote ---Uber petition to save ride-hailing app in London passes 500,000 signatures within 24 hours
--- End quote ---
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