Uber and Lyft - alternatives to taxis. Do you use it? Good od not?

[Diamondpilot]

here in Canada (Ontario) in our city the Police Service Board of Directors approves many aspects of Taxi Services running in the city, that includes taxi driver security checks , and insurance requirements. Those aspects are all bypassed when a online service similar to a "underground" economy, system is used. Why would I want me or my girls to get into a car that I cannot trust has been "policed' as to being safe transportation , and as having the insurance that actually can apply if we are injured , in that car.(and security check system on drivers) Only lately has insurance companies come forward that will provide similar insurances that taxi companies already must have to operate. Eventually we will see (when accidents start occurring ) that although " Uber" tells us they demand their drivers have insurance , we will never be sure if the car you got into decided he wasn't going to bother to keep the insurance valid , and so you takes your risks. Buyer beware because system has many loop holes that unscrupulous Uber drivers can get around .

I ride cabs and uber almost weekly. I can tell you for a fact I personally will take a Uber any day of the week.

Uber vehicles can be no more than 5 years old and meet other requirements. Cabs, anything goes. And yes, I have ridden Canadian cabs. I'm currently in Flinn Flon. This month alone I have also been in Dryden, Winnipeg, Kenora, and Toronto.

Like I said, anyone who has Actually Used Uber would take it any day of the week over a cab.

Chris

 

[smstonypoint]

Like I said, anyone who has Actually Used Uber would take it any day of the week over a cab.

Chris

Forbes Welcome

Steve

 

[wawajake]

Well by the way my wife was on the Police Board here for 15 years so I know a bit about taxi's and what does and doesn't get checked by the police here, but that's okay Chris now you even claim to be an expert about Canadians.
I have never had to try purchasing a computer from out of the back of a pickup truck in a parking lot to know I don't want to ever do it.

 

[roadhunter]

I disliked them originally because many were not carrying commercial insurance and competing with taxis. As long as they want to carry commercial insurance I really have no problem with them. I like the feedback system much better than simply taking your chances with a taxi.

 

[two_bit_score]

Do you think Uber/Lyft are taking unfair advantage in their competition with Taxis? Are they 'winning' through this unfair competition?

It seems that some people feel the Taxis need 'protection' from competition with Uber/Lyft. Do you agree?


TBS

 

[ultrarunner]

I have never used them and only once in 20 years a taxi.

That said they are very popular... I have attended parties where one person wants to leave early and the other stays and calls Uber...

I'm in the Bay Area so it might be different elsewhere... lots of professionals use them and Uber world headquarters is planned for downtown Oakland and seen as a huge economic boon to an area with tons of vacant space.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Well by the way my wife was on the Police Board here for 15 years so I know a bit about taxi's and what does and doesn't get checked by the police here, but that's okay Chris now you even claim to be an expert about Canadians. I have never had to try purchasing a computer from out of the back of a pickup truck in a parking lot to know I don't want to ever do it.

I am by no means a expert on anything. Fact is you just like to argue with me. I well traveled, somewhat of educated, and willing to try things.

After using taxis about 10 times a month for 20 plus years I was not to sure about Uber. Once I have tried it I was sold. I have since take well over 100 Uber rides. Not a single bad experience to date. Taxis were about 30% crappy.

Like I said, anyone who has Actually used Uber would prefer it.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

Do you think Uber/Lyft are taking unfair advantage in their competition with Taxis? Are they 'winning' through this unfair competition? It seems that some people feel the Taxis need 'protection' from competition with Uber/Lyft. Do you agree? TBS

The Pro Union types will say yes. I say it's a open market and the superior product wins.

Business 101!

Chris

 

[Snowback]

I was a hesitant Uber Virgin until this past spring when I chose to use the service for a quick day of meetings up in Norman OK. (Leaving from OKC.)

It was an excellent experience from downloading and setting up the account/app with payment details, to locating on a map, to ordering the car, to meeting the driver, to not having to handle cash or credit cards after the trip, etc... Cars there and back were not super fancy, but far nicer than any cab I've ridden in. And you can get a fancy or big vehicle if you chose that option. Also the drivers were normal guys who could/would answer questions if wanted or just chauffeur you to where you were going. The route is clearly laid out on your phone so you don't feel like you are getting scammed by the driver. (Has happened to me in cabs before...)

Only needed to use one other time since then to get to a concert and it was flawless again. Saved a lot of walking and parking fees. Cost was probably a wash if we had driven and parked, then walked. But- we had door to door service and I was able to have a few beers and not worry about anything.

Although I am comfortable using the service, I would hesitate somewhat in sending my wife alone. (And the same would go for cabs...) Don't ask me why - just one of those things.

I'd say go for it and give it a try. I suppose a bad driver could show up, and heaven forbid you run into some true nutcase, but that could go for Uber, Lyft, or Taxi Cabs I suppose.

 

[roadhunter]

The Pro Union types will say yes. I say it's a open market and the superior product wins.

Business 101!

Chris

As long as the Uber drivers have commercial insurance I agree 100%. If a guy/gal wants to give people rides in thier personal car to make some extra $ more power to them. The feedback system gives people the ability to earn a reputation and build trust with excellent service which is really better for everyone.