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Demonaut

(8,909 posts)
Sun May 8, 2016, 03:55 PM May 2016

Bashing Uber and Lyft?

I'm sick of the misinformed and ignorant posts about these driver apps

One poster compared me to a child molester..really?

Fact: background checks ARE required for employment by both companies.

Fact: They don't pay well, I made $93 driving all day yesterday and that does not include gas or water for clients
and I still need to pay taxes from the $93

Fact: Most riders are great but occasionally you get a rider who leaves trash or clips their nails or just reeks of body
odor...in YOUR private car..and I won't comment about trump supporters

Fact: Uber and Lyft rely heavily on ratings and ride acceptance, you get score of 4's consistently on a scale of 1 thru 5 and you WILL have your account closed

Fact: They do have insurance for riders and the drivers, they also require car seats for small children (but riders will lie about the need)

Fact: They ARE considerably cheaper than taxis, I've taken a fair share of disabled riders and they cannot afford a regular taxi so for them we are a godsend

Are they perfect?...hell no but If your having a hard time finding a job or just need extra cash they fit the bill.

On edit: let the flames begin



74 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Bashing Uber and Lyft? (Original Post) Demonaut May 2016 OP
I use Uber, shop at Walmart and love Chick Fil-A B2G May 2016 #1
thanks Demonaut May 2016 #9
I don't think that at all yeoman6987 May 2016 #33
Uber & Lyft are leaving Austin griffi94 May 2016 #2
Here's my take on Uber (from another thread) CoffeeCat May 2016 #3
Seems to me you agreed with most of the OP. nt B2G May 2016 #4
I suppose so CoffeeCat May 2016 #5
but what I posted is, in your terms "absolutely false" but not once did you contradict me Demonaut May 2016 #6
The first post I made in your thread CoffeeCat May 2016 #10
you did say "from another thread" but without the link it was confusing, I'm glad you agree, thanks Demonaut May 2016 #11
Ahhh. That was a RESPONSE to another thread. I was WTFing also. Hassin Bin Sober May 2016 #14
I was confused OriginalGeek May 2016 #69
What Do Drivers Need To Know About Rideshare Insurance? FrodosPet May 2016 #72
The people driving for Uber and Lyft are hard working people .... etherealtruth May 2016 #7
thanks, the tips are more than the monetary value, it lets us know we're appreciated Demonaut May 2016 #8
Damn, you make a nefarious racket sound so soft and fuzzy WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #48
The person that wrote this OP is a human being trying to make ends meet etherealtruth May 2016 #52
I'm happy for him and for you and for all the people who find Uber a superior product. But you guys WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #53
I don't believe the OP is the tool, in this case n/t etherealtruth May 2016 #54
thank you, I appreciate the thoughtfulness in your responses Demonaut May 2016 #55
I love people. Find one word they feel comfortable responding to. WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #57
I will stick with taxis, thanks Skittles May 2016 #12
Why? They treat their drivers even worse (nt) Recursion May 2016 #15
They're unionized and regulated. n/t pnwmom May 2016 #19
There are zero unionized taxi drivers in the country Recursion May 2016 #20
There are 50,000 in in NYC alone. pnwmom May 2016 #21
The fact that they call themselves a union doesn't make it so. They don't do collective bargaining Recursion May 2016 #22
They are bargaining with the cities that regulate their rates and working conditions. pnwmom May 2016 #24
No, you're describing a "lobby", not a "union" Recursion May 2016 #25
Funny, the Teamsters Union represents cab drivers and they think they're a union. pnwmom May 2016 #26
Did you catch where I mentioned the recent rule change that made that possible? Recursion May 2016 #27
That made what possible? The collective bargaining? pnwmom May 2016 #28
Those are rideshare drivers, not medallion taxi drivers Recursion May 2016 #29
Here is more information on how unions are engaged in COLLECTIVE BARGAINING for taxi drivers. pnwmom May 2016 #30
There's also much more to a union than collective bargaining Major Nikon May 2016 #38
Taxi service in many cities has sucked for DECADES. Warren DeMontague May 2016 #13
And taxi medallion owners usually have a ton of political power at the city level Recursion May 2016 #16
Exactly. Warren DeMontague May 2016 #17
Uber and Lyft are just.. sendero May 2016 #18
Conventional cab service is shrinking, but it still has an important role FrodosPet May 2016 #65
Exactly SickOfTheOnePct May 2016 #66
Hopefully Uber can keep a steady supply of fresh new drivers for a long time to come FrodosPet May 2016 #70
Where did you get your MISinformation about background checks from? Uber? Lol WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #23
if you taken the time to the read the entire thread you would see the requirements Demonaut May 2016 #39
LOL From top to bottom you're all hypocritical crybabies. You want everything on your terms. WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #42
yes...let's be sure and promote ibegurpard May 2016 #31
Progressives should not be promoting these non-progressive companies. alarimer May 2016 #32
What pumpkin patch do you live in? Unlike city cab drivers, Uber drivers aren't obligated to take WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #34
lol, this idiot term "pumpkin patch" is rather funny...and justifies my post about ignorance Demonaut May 2016 #40
I am glad you created this thread. People only hear Uber's side of the argument because they never WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #44
and continue demonstrate your lack of knowledge of the multiple sides of this issue Demonaut May 2016 #46
Are you an employee or a business man? Do you have a business license to operate legally in your WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #35
yes, I have a business license, I'm just a guy who's trying to get by until I find something better Demonaut May 2016 #41
Of course you have a business license because Uber drivers never lie or break the law. They never WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #43
omg...lol, I'm done with the idiocy Demonaut May 2016 #47
Doesn't matter one fucking bit. I'm not done with you. You don't want to read anything but Uber's WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #49
lol...your funny, I feel better about driving now..lol Demonaut May 2016 #50
i use uber because cab service in my city sucks fizzgig May 2016 #36
Fingerprints will "CRIPPLE" ridesharing! LOL Uber & Lyft are run by Ayn Randian WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #37
Let's take this one lawsuit at a time. Uber Lie #1: Alleged Background checks WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #45
Are you a driver of a cab or truck? Jackie Wilson Said May 2016 #51
AFSCME Cab Drivers United Union member WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #56
What is a myth? That libertarian attitudes will force us all to work for peanuts? Jackie Wilson Said May 2016 #58
We can't let it happen. That's why we formed a union. A year ago, City Council didn't really know WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #61
Uber was started by Rahm's family? ugh Jackie Wilson Said May 2016 #62
His Hollywood agent mogul brother was an early and big investor and stands to make at least $1B WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #63
I forgot to mention, the biggest single of things to come is the Fight For 15 movement WhaTHellsgoingonhere May 2016 #64
Disabled riders are elegible for cab vouchers. Starry Messenger May 2016 #59
It's a temp job for me, and you're right, it's robbing Peter to pay Paul but I've few options Demonaut May 2016 #60
I am glad you understand that it is a desperation thing FrodosPet May 2016 #71
no on the taxes, digging that hole right now but yes to everything else, car is still under warranty Demonaut May 2016 #73
Don't lie about rideshare re: the warranty FrodosPet May 2016 #74
My mother supports herself as the owner of a taxi permit DonRedwood May 2016 #67
Umm .... Logic 101 ananda May 2016 #68
 

B2G

(9,766 posts)
1. I use Uber, shop at Walmart and love Chick Fil-A
Sun May 8, 2016, 03:58 PM
May 2016

I am the devil incarnate according to some here.

Ignore them. Good on you for working hard.

CoffeeCat

(24,411 posts)
3. Here's my take on Uber (from another thread)
Sun May 8, 2016, 04:13 PM
May 2016

(This is my response in another thread that I copy+pasted here)

My husband and I are weird. We researched Uber because we wanted to invest in the company; and possibly try to get in if/when they go public. Part of that research entailed experiencing Uber from the passenger and driver side.

As someone who was a passenger (about ten times) and a driver (I gave about 75 rides), I can tell you that what you wrote here is absolutely false.

I have plenty of gripes about the way they treat drivers. However, both my husband and I went through the approval process. It is rigorous. You have to submit documentation of a clean driving record, which means you haul your butt to the DMV and obtain your driving record. Mine went back ten years. You also must go through a criminal background check. You are not allowed to drive without this documentation.

You must also submit pics of your car. Inside and out. You are required to send updated photos quarterly, or your driver privilidges are revoked.

You must also submit proof of insurance on a regular basis. They keep track of documents sent and when your insurance expires, and they remind you that if you don't submit proof of current insurance, you are booted as a driver.

Furthermore, passengers rate you. If you're weird, unsafe, moronic or a terrible driver--passengers will rate you low. Rating are from 1-5 (1 lowest). You must maintain over 4.75 or you are in jeapordy. It's not easy! Drivers have been deactivated for falling below a 4.75. It's very hard to maintain that. Try dealing with very drunk people who are angry that you won't drive ten of their closest friends. They punish you (for their stupidity) with the rating system.

I have plenty of gripes about Uber! From a business perspective, I don't believe that the way the treat drivers is a sustainable business model. They slowly lower the rates in cities--which lowers the pay for drivers. When Uber initially begins in a city, drivers can make some decent money. However, the rates are often cut in half--slowly. You can still make money, but you have to drive at the right times and be smart about your strategy. Otherwise, you end up screwed. It shouldn't be like that.

My husband made $650 a month ago, one weekend. It was a busy weekend because of concerts/events. He only worked 16 hours. He rarely drives, but every once in while will do it--if he thinks he can make some money. If you know what you're doing you can make $50 an hour.

I hope the company innovates when it comes to its treatment of the drivers.

CoffeeCat

(24,411 posts)
5. I suppose so
Sun May 8, 2016, 04:33 PM
May 2016

I do not hate Uber. It is not perfect though. My primary gripes are that drivers deserve better pay. However, drivers should be able to decide for themselves if they want to do the job. That's the market.

However, these people (in the other thread) who suggest that there are no background checks, or insurance checks or checks on your automobile or that your driver is likely a criminal--are all false.

Demonaut

(8,909 posts)
6. but what I posted is, in your terms "absolutely false" but not once did you contradict me
Sun May 8, 2016, 07:58 PM
May 2016

are you kidding me? do you understand the meaning of the word "absolutley"?

Pay depends on the market, I've heard of the $400 a nite in Denver but those days are gone as we have saturated the market with drivers and surge pricing has been drastically reduced.
Some of my riders were/are former drivers and they left the car sharing business as the pay dropped so much..
I don't like to do the late nite runs which pay better but dealing with drunks and idiots is not much fun.

$5.00 rides are very common here in Denver and the suburbs, of that $5.00 uber takes about 30%.
I wish I made $8.00 minimum per fare but again, those days are long gone

CoffeeCat

(24,411 posts)
10. The first post I made in your thread
Sun May 8, 2016, 09:59 PM
May 2016

was a response to someone in another thread who was spreading disinformation. I mention that. Did I not make that clear?

I posted it to show you that I was on your side.

I am...on your side.

We must be experiencing a miscommunication here.

OriginalGeek

(12,132 posts)
69. I was confused
Mon May 9, 2016, 05:02 PM
May 2016

but I see it now.


OP, I was skeptical of Uber form the passenger POV because of all the negative things I read here and elsewhere but I recently found myself in need of a ride and a taxi wasn't available and Uber was. The ease of use from downloading the app to getting in a car was mind-boggling. Price was great, driver was nice, car was clean. I understand why taxi companies are mad about it but maybe they should learn from it instead of fighting it. In the meantime, I am not too keen restricting how a person can make money within reason. I think Uber is within reason.

etherealtruth

(22,165 posts)
7. The people driving for Uber and Lyft are hard working people ....
Sun May 8, 2016, 08:08 PM
May 2016

... trying to make a little (and sometimes it is very little) money to get by.

No one that doesn't need the money is going to open their personal space to strangers. Be kind and tip your drivers well

(my future son in law did this for a couple months when he first moved to Michigan)

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
48. Damn, you make a nefarious racket sound so soft and fuzzy
Mon May 9, 2016, 12:33 PM
May 2016

Uber seeks world domination and pits the have littles against one another. Uber is a symptom of two political parties that have worked together to marginalize Labor. As a result, real wages have been stagnant for 35 years. Now self identifying "Progressives" want to defend an unregulated company that redistrubtes living, middle-class wage jobs (OMFG! In order to support families, taxi fares are higher) to tens of thousands of people who just want to make a few more bucks (while their overlords make billions.) No benefits, no protections, it's Ayn Rand's Walmart model meets Amazon.com.

And for all their talk about having a superior product, they refuse to compete on a level playing field with legal taxi companies. If you like Uber, you should want to see it regulated, just like every business that has ever opened shop anywhere. But Uber believes they are above rules and regulations, and Progressives carry their water.

The Democrats behind Uber are the Rahm Emanuel Democrats.

etherealtruth

(22,165 posts)
52. The person that wrote this OP is a human being trying to make ends meet
Mon May 9, 2016, 12:47 PM
May 2016

I am a democrat and I support this poster trying to make ends meet. I am sure they wish they had a different option and I wish it for them as well ... the odds are they don't. You may not support an individual trying to get through each day however they feel they need to.

They may well prefer to be lectured about progressive values, instead of a post encouraging people that use Uber / Lyft to tip generously while they struggle to make ends meet.

I am sure the OP is grateful for your perspective and will find it comforting as they try to make ends meet. I offer only support to a struggling worker. Perhaps one day they can get a taxi medallion (hoping it is not in my area as that is a truly corrupt system) ... or better yet, find a job that suits there interests and talents.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
53. I'm happy for him and for you and for all the people who find Uber a superior product. But you guys
Mon May 9, 2016, 01:05 PM
May 2016

support a white male privileged Libertarian juggernaut that believes it's above rules and regulations.

For all you know, the OP is a tool.

Not one of you wants to address regulation, a level playing field, and fair competition. There's something wrong with that. I realize you don't see it. I'm trying to force people to look at it.

Like I said, if you like Uber and want to use and drive for Uber, you should want to see them regulated like all commerce.

White male privilege run wild.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
57. I love people. Find one word they feel comfortable responding to.
Mon May 9, 2016, 01:15 PM
May 2016

I'm not singling you out, it's what people do. The OP did it, too.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
20. There are zero unionized taxi drivers in the country
Mon May 9, 2016, 06:30 AM
May 2016

As far as I know there are zero taxi drivers in the country who are even "employees" per se, rather than contractors.

There are contractor associations calling themselves "unions" that represent taxi drivers, but none of them engage in collective bargaining.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
21. There are 50,000 in in NYC alone.
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:03 AM
May 2016
http://www.nytwa.org/

NYTWA is a membership based non-profit union fighting for the rights of NYC's 50,000+ taxi drivers.

And in Seattle, not only regular cabbies but Uber drivers can join a union:

http://money.cnn.com/2015/12/14/technology/seattle-uber-drivers-union/

Seattle lawmakers gave Uber drivers the green light to unionize on Monday.

The city's new ordinance applies to all taxi drivers in Seattle, including for-hire cabs, taxi companies and app-based on-demand firms such as Uber and Lyft.

Companies like Uber typically classify their drivers as independent contractors. That allows the companies to avoid paying their drivers benefits like overtime and health insurance.

As a result, Councilmember Mike O'Brien noted that many of those workers earn below minimum wage, and they have a difficult time making their voices heard when lodging complaints with their companies.

O'Brien says Seattle's new law will make their businesses safer, and more reliable and cost-effective.


And there's a new union in Chicago:

Chicago’s cab drivers are making history, and in the process making themselves AFSCME Strong. For the first time in more than 30 years, they have a union — a driver-led AFSCME local chartered with the goal of solving tough problems that range from burdensome revenue-raising regulations to police harassment.

It’s quite an accomplishment, especially since it was just early last year that more than 3,500 city cab drivers began organizing themselves into Cab Drivers United, part of Illinois Council 31. Then, in July 2014, delegates to the 41st AFSCME International Union Convention in Chicago rallied near City Hall, demonstrating solidarity with the drivers’ campaign to win a voice in the regulatory process that controls their livelihood.

Now the drivers have that voice. Their new union, Cab Drivers United/AFSCME Local 2500, received its charter on Aug. 1, with hundreds signing up to become full dues-paying members of our AFSCME family.


http://www.afscme.org/blog/taking-back-our-union-heres-how-were-growing-stronger

And according to this, there are "union cab driver activists' "across the country."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2015/01/19/can-taxi-unions-build-an-app-to-take-on-uber/

NEW YORK CITY — Last Friday, in the Taxi Workers Alliance’s recently expanded new offices in an industrial area of Queens, union cab driver activists from across the country, plus a couple from Europe, convened for a council of war.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
22. The fact that they call themselves a union doesn't make it so. They don't do collective bargaining
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:07 AM
May 2016

If you don't do collective bargaining you aren't a "union" in any real sense; any TWA member is free to undercut or outbid any other TWA member for a given shift.

Worse yet, a few of their members are owner-operators who lease out their medallions and cars when they're not working, meaning they represent both labor and management.

Hell, they couldn't affiliate with AFL until AFL very reluctantly put through a rules change recently to allow contractors' associations to affiliate (and, honestly, by that rule change, most chambers of commerce are at least technically able to affiliate now).

In all of the screeds about Uber, nobody has ever actually been able to show that Uber drivers make less than medallion drivers: because they don't.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
24. They are bargaining with the cities that regulate their rates and working conditions.
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:16 AM
May 2016

They are real unions.

I added some other examples to the previous post.

And here's an another example of the kind of bargaining they can do;

As a result of having their own union, the drivers are being heard and it’s making a difference in their lives.

http://www.afscme.org/blog/taking-back-our-union-heres-how-were-growing-stronger

In July, the city dismissed more than half the tickets unjustly issued against the drivers — a direct result of the union’s new Driver Advocate program. In fact, more than half of the tickets defended by a Driver Advocate have been dismissed outright, while others were amended so that fines were reduced, all thanks to AFSCME’s Driver Advocate program.

The union’s review of police ticketing practices against cab drivers also led to a departmental “cease and desist” order to officers who had made a habit of targeting the drivers.

As drivers discover the power of AFSCME Strong, Cab Drivers United/AFSCME Local 2500 will continue to grow more powerful with each new membership.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
26. Funny, the Teamsters Union represents cab drivers and they think they're a union.
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:21 AM
May 2016
https://teamster.org/magazine/2013/fall/taxi-drivers-find-voice

And I think you missed the article about Seattle in an earlier post. Seattle not only has collective bargaining for its taxi drivers -- it has extended collective bargaining to its Uber drivers to.

http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2015/12/city-council-votes-on-giving-seattle-rideshare-drivers-union-rights/

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
27. Did you catch where I mentioned the recent rule change that made that possible?
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:23 AM
May 2016

There were complaints in AFL at the time.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
29. Those are rideshare drivers, not medallion taxi drivers
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:31 AM
May 2016

Uber and Lyft drivers can (and in places like Seattle, do) collectively bargain, but they aren't taxi drivers, but fleet service drivers. Taxi drivers nowhere in the US collectively bargain.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
30. Here is more information on how unions are engaged in COLLECTIVE BARGAINING for taxi drivers.
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:40 AM
May 2016
http://www.aflcio.org/Features/Innovators/Taxi!-Taxi!-Cabbies-Form-Unlikely-Union

For nearly 15 years, taxi workers in New York City—and now in other cities—have been building a union. They were up against a lot: Each yellow cab taxi driver in New York City has been classified by the city as an independent operator—a status that excludes them from coverage by most U.S. labor laws and that means their union cannot appeal to the National Labor Relations Board for recognition of its right to represent workers. But these supposedly unorganizable workers refused to let anybody tell them whether they could be a union or not. They organized a union themselves.

Last year, the NTWA, based in New York and led by Bhairavi Desai, became the latest affiliate union of the AFL-CIO, and the first group to receive an organizing committee charter from America’s largest labor organization in a half-century. The members of NTWA have done groundbreaking work in unifying taxi workers, increasing drivers’ take-home pay and building a structure to provide the taxi workers access to health care.

The taxi workers are part of a new wave of workers who are organizing against the odds. Car wash workers, domestic workers and others who are not ordinarily thought of as union members are discovering and using the power of collective action to improve their lives and work. In early May, for instance, more than 235 mostly immigrant livery or "Black Car" drivers from Town Car International, located in Queens, voted by a 2-to-1 margin to be represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM). The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and United Steelworkers (USW) and a few other unions also represent cab drivers.

Being a cab driver in New York City is hard. Workers are often on the streets for 14 or 16 hours a day, six, sometimes seven days a week in what the U.S. Department of Labor labels one of the country’s most dangerous professions.

Taxi workers buy fuel themselves and pay high lease rates for vehicles—sometimes more than $60,000 over the usable life of a car worth $30,000. Most taxi workers also must lease medallions, which are the permits required for cabbies to pick up passengers who hail them on the streets of New York City. Garage companies charge drivers a 5 percent fee on every credit card transaction. And as independent contractors, the taxi workers are on their own to buy health insurance.

“All the risk is ours,” said NTWA member and taxi worker Jamil Hussain. “If gas prices rise, we earn less. If it’s a slow day, we earn less. But the company gets its money no matter what!”

For each problem, the NTWA has a solution. It has worked with New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission to run a trial program to cut the credit card fees by more than half. It has a health care plan for members in the works. The union has negotiated better car and medallion leases with some companies and has been pressuring others to do the same. Since December, the taxi workers have held more than 50 demonstrations against the companies that refuse to bargain.

Major Nikon

(36,814 posts)
38. There's also much more to a union than collective bargaining
Mon May 9, 2016, 10:50 AM
May 2016

First and foremost is certification by the NLRB. If you aren't certified by the NLRB, then there's zero federal enforcement of the National Labor Relation Act, which is fundamental for all functioning unions. This means your employer doesn't have to recognize the union, bargain with it in any way, and is free to violate whatever agreements might be made outside certification. Employees can also be fired for striking, "union" association, terminated at will, and suffer all sorts of other discriminatory acts that are prohibited by the law.

Warren DeMontague

(80,708 posts)
13. Taxi service in many cities has sucked for DECADES.
Mon May 9, 2016, 03:30 AM
May 2016

And it has been a mess of back-scratching and cronyism. Would any of the parties enjoying the perks of these arrangements benefiting all concerned except the actual consumer, have ever even paid a bit of attention to it if it wasn't for these annoying, pesky, "disruptive" silicon valley libertarian upstarts?


No, no fucking way.

So to all the people pissing and moaning about Uber and Lyft, give me a break. I've lived enough cities where the taxi service was atrocious to nonexistent. Seems to me the defenders of the status quo had their chance to fix it, and didn't.


Recursion

(56,582 posts)
16. And taxi medallion owners usually have a ton of political power at the city level
Mon May 9, 2016, 05:29 AM
May 2016

Which is why you see the moves against Uber and Lyft happening at the city level.

sendero

(28,552 posts)
18. Uber and Lyft are just..
Mon May 9, 2016, 05:45 AM
May 2016

....taking advantage of a monopoly situation that is overpriced and underperforms (conventional cabs).

If cities didn't milk cab service for revenues driving the prices up to absurd levels and if there weren't tight controls on the number (read availability) of cabs, Uber would have never happened.

It's not the conventional cab drivers' faults this happened, its the city governments'. Their little monopoly play is coming to an end.

People who don't like Uber are free to pay double for a slow-ass conventional cab that will show up eventually.

FrodosPet

(5,169 posts)
65. Conventional cab service is shrinking, but it still has an important role
Mon May 9, 2016, 04:39 PM
May 2016

ASAP service for technologically savvy and comfortable people who are smart enough to keep their phone charged, taxi will never beat Uber. But they are getting better, as more and more companies are going online with apps.

But if you still use a flip phone, or a landline, or you need the waitress or desk clerk to call for you, or your battery is dead, or you don't have room on your phone, or you just feel better about paying cash for simple transactions, then Uber and Lyft cannot help you.

If Uber and Lyft succeed in destroying the conventional cab model, it is going to suck for a lot of people.

SickOfTheOnePct

(7,290 posts)
66. Exactly
Mon May 9, 2016, 04:41 PM
May 2016

I rarely have need for a cab, but when I do, I use Uber instead. Clean cars, courteous (and safe) drivers. Although it is cheaper, I make up the difference by giving a generous tip to the driver.

I don't take Uber because it's cheaper, because for me, it's not. I take Uber because it's a MUCH more pleasant experience than any taxi I've taken in the last 15 years.

FrodosPet

(5,169 posts)
70. Hopefully Uber can keep a steady supply of fresh new drivers for a long time to come
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:30 PM
May 2016

People who drive other people for a living, whether rideshare or taxi, have a bad habit of turning bitter before they either quit or are deactivated.

http://uberpeople.net/forums/Complaints/

Sometimes driving people from point to point is one of the coolest jobs in the world. Other times you are angry as hell at the drunk who just puked on you, or scared ****less by the mumbling agitated person sitting behind you, or frustrated by the passenger who got cancelled on twice criticizing everything about your driving, attitude, occupation, and existence.

I bet that, even if Travis K is an atheist, he is praying every day for his driverless fleet.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
23. Where did you get your MISinformation about background checks from? Uber? Lol
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:08 AM
May 2016

Have you met industry standards? Can you?
*fingerprinting
*criminal background check
*DMV driving background check
*drug test
*physical exam

Are you a convicted rapist or felon? Whatever the case may be, Uber has ZERO faith in you or the driver behind the wheel next to you. Did you know Uber and Lyft pulled out of Austin this morning because the city passed and ordinance to have their drivers fingerprinted and run criminal background checks?

Unfortunately for the unwitting public, you know NOTHING about what you're talking about. Unfortunately for Liberals, Thom Hartmann doesn't, either.

Uber lies and settles lawsuits years later. Unfortunately, it's a small price to pay for the goodwill they've already built. And even after the lawsuits settle, no one is the wiser and people like you continue to carry the water for Ayn Rand's favorite billionaires.

Did these reach your Uber inbox?

Uber will pay $10 million to settle lawsuit over driver background checks
http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/7/11389822/uber-lawsuit-background-checks-10-million-settlement

BUSINESS
Uber Agrees to Pay $28.5 Million to Settle False Advertising Case
Ride-hailing service also will change its market language concerning ‘safe rides fee’
http://www.wsj.com/articles/uber-agrees-to-pay-28-5-million-to-settle-rider-safety-case-1455228038


https://www.facebook.com/thomshypocrisytoday/

Demonaut

(8,909 posts)
39. if you taken the time to the read the entire thread you would see the requirements
Mon May 9, 2016, 11:05 AM
May 2016

from uber and lyft

do you have a list of industry standards, are they different from city to city?

*fingerprinting......................................didn't ask
*criminal background check....................yes
*DMV driving background check...............yes
*drug test............................................didn't ask
*physical exam.......................................yes


My post was less about supporting uber and lyft but more about the unwarranted bashing of the drivers

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
42. LOL From top to bottom you're all hypocritical crybabies. You want everything on your terms.
Mon May 9, 2016, 11:45 AM
May 2016

Welcome to the transportation industry. So many of you scabs drive for a few months then you're gone. You're all chasing fools gold.

You conveniently avoided addressing the lawsuits, filed because what you purport to be fact are Uber lies. And they still find tools to perpetuate them.

ibegurpard

(16,685 posts)
31. yes...let's be sure and promote
Mon May 9, 2016, 08:13 AM
May 2016

A business model that has the worker assume all the costs while the business owner skims the profits...

alarimer

(16,245 posts)
32. Progressives should not be promoting these non-progressive companies.
Mon May 9, 2016, 08:28 AM
May 2016

In fact all of these "disruptive" companies are merely a return to a pre-regulation era. These are no better (and may be worse) than the Walmarts of the world.

Uber is run by a libertarian asshole, if that gives any indication of how they want things.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
34. What pumpkin patch do you live in? Unlike city cab drivers, Uber drivers aren't obligated to take
Mon May 9, 2016, 10:05 AM
May 2016

disabled. Here in Chicago and other cities, the disabled have testified they are discriminated against. The disabled get discounted fares and are afraid that Uber is destroying the taxi industry. Uber doesn't have any wheelchair accessible vans.

STFU! You sound like Travis "The Sky is Falling" Kalanick.

Demonaut

(8,909 posts)
40. lol, this idiot term "pumpkin patch" is rather funny...and justifies my post about ignorance
Mon May 9, 2016, 11:27 AM
May 2016

you NEED source more information about the service and requirements before posting, push yourself a little harder

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
44. I am glad you created this thread. People only hear Uber's side of the argument because they never
Mon May 9, 2016, 12:03 PM
May 2016

go to city council hearings. So continue bumping this thread, as will I, and make more supporting the scab work for which you get no respect lol

Demonaut

(8,909 posts)
46. and continue demonstrate your lack of knowledge of the multiple sides of this issue
Mon May 9, 2016, 12:25 PM
May 2016

lol, you must live in a pumpkin patch


added "multiple"
 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
35. Are you an employee or a business man? Do you have a business license to operate legally in your
Mon May 9, 2016, 10:19 AM
May 2016

pumpkin patch?

Demonaut

(8,909 posts)
41. yes, I have a business license, I'm just a guy who's trying to get by until I find something better
Mon May 9, 2016, 11:30 AM
May 2016

and please as you so politely put it ..."stfu"

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
43. Of course you have a business license because Uber drivers never lie or break the law. They never
Mon May 9, 2016, 11:53 AM
May 2016

to their insurance company about being Uber drivers. And they never rent cars and use them illegally for commercial purposes.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
49. Doesn't matter one fucking bit. I'm not done with you. You don't want to read anything but Uber's
Mon May 9, 2016, 12:36 PM
May 2016

propaganda, that's obvious. But I'm not speaking to you. I'm just using you.

fizzgig

(24,146 posts)
36. i use uber because cab service in my city sucks
Mon May 9, 2016, 10:31 AM
May 2016

there are cab stands downtown on the weekends for the bar crowd but need a cab for an emergency in the middle of the day? be prepared to wait two hours for one to show up.

there is one cab company in my city and the puc has routinely denied applications for a second one.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
37. Fingerprints will "CRIPPLE" ridesharing! LOL Uber & Lyft are run by Ayn Randian
Mon May 9, 2016, 10:33 AM
May 2016

tantrum throwing, billionaire brats.


Updated at 2:30 p.m. after interview with Ald. Beale: A new ordinance could decimate ridesharing in Chicago—so, UberX and Lyft—by requiring all rideshare drivers to get a chauffeur's license.

This ordinance, proposed by Ald. Anthony Beale (9th), would "make it nearly impossible for ridesharing to operate in the city," Lyft spokesperson Chelsea Wilson said in a statement. Uber concurs that the ordinance "threatens to take ridesharing away."

Beale told Chicagoist that really, the issue is that ridesharing has been regulated "piecemeal" in Chicago for too long. He hopes to "level the playing field" for cab companies and rideshare services. He argues that the status quo is "putting hard-working cab drivers out of business... family people who have worked for years."
"The first two years that Uber and Lyft came into the city of Chicago, they were able to operate without a business license," Beale added. "They made hundreds of millions of dollars... while they were operating illegally in the city of Chicago."
If Beale's ordinance passes—which it could as early as April 13, though Beale predicts that City Council "shenanigans" will hold it up for a while—it would essentially prohibit the part-time rideshare drivers who currently offer cheaper-than-taxi rates and work with only a driver's license. Under the ordinance, all drivers would need to obtain a chauffeur's license, and get background-checked and fingerprinted by the city. Uber and Lyft would also have to meet the same quota as cab companies: five percent of their fleets would need to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Uber reps said in a statement that the ordinance would "force UberX driver-partners to get expensive chauffeur’s licenses that are designed for full-time, professional drivers. This would eliminate low-cost options and leave only pricey chauffeur services." Uber added that Beale's ordinance would hurt customers who can't afford traditional taxis.

Lyft expressed similar sentiments in a statement provided by Wilson:
Lyft unequivocally opposes Alderman Beale's proposal to impose a penalty of over $300 on local residents who help provide safe, affordable rides to their fellow Chicagoans. The ordinance as written would make it nearly impossible for ridesharing to operate in the city. We would welcome the opportunity to instead work with Chicago leaders to preserve the economic opportunities ridesharing has brought to the city for drivers as well as local businesses and communities.

Beale questions the companies' claims that they provide affordable rides. "If that's the case, why do they surge price? Cab companies are not allowed to surge price if it's raining, snowing... [Uber and Lyft are] able to charge three times the normal amount [in those circumstances]. So who can afford that?"

He added that Lyft's estimate of the price of a chauffeur's license "sounds excessive. But if the cab drivers can get it and pay for it, why can't [Uber and Lyft]? Why don't they underwrite it? They're making enough money to do that."
Uber said in their statement that Beale's ordinance would "destroy earning opportunities" for the 35,000 part-time UberX drivers in Chicago. Uber argues that UberX provides essential jobs in areas with high unemployment—20 percent of UberX drivers live on the South and West sides, the company reports.

Beale argues that rideshare driving jobs are far from lucrative. He claims that the average Uber driver only stays with the company for 2-3 months, high turnover attributable to low, highly-taxed wages.
"The fat cats at the top [of Uber and Lyft] are the ones making hundreds of millions of dollars," Beale said, while people driving for Uber have to pay taxes on the full ride fare, including the cut Uber takes. Combine that with the expense of "wear and tear" on your car, and the rideshare model isn't so sweet for drivers, from Beale's perspective.

Beale added that his ordinance is also a reaction to safety concerns about ridesharing apps. "We don't even know who they are!" he said of rideshare drivers.
As we reported in December, a rogue Lyft driver once followed a passenger who declined a ride, though he was not matched with her. It's unclear how widespread incidents like that are.

Uber has started a petition against Beale's ordinance, which has more than 10,500 signatures so far.


http://chicagoist.com/2016/03/24/ridesharing_in_chicago_could_end_if.php

30 of 50 city council members have co-signed the ordinance but Uber's Mayor, Rahm Emanuel. I thought you guys had a HUGE problem with cronism LOL, Uber is an Emanuel family business.

Uber is FOS. Their drivers are being fingered printed in NYC and the world didn't come to an end. Mayor DeBlasio is about the closest thing we have to a real Democrat today.
 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
45. Let's take this one lawsuit at a time. Uber Lie #1: Alleged Background checks
Mon May 9, 2016, 12:09 PM
May 2016

Uber will pay $10 million to settle lawsuit over driver background checks
http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/7/11389822/uber-lawsuit-background-checks-10-million-settlement

BUSINESS
Uber Agrees to Pay $28.5 Million to Settle False Advertising Case
Ride-hailing service also will change its market language concerning ‘safe rides fee’
http://www.wsj.com/articles/uber-agrees-to-pay-28-5-million-to-settle-rider-safety-case-1455228038

Jackie Wilson Said

(4,176 posts)
51. Are you a driver of a cab or truck?
Mon May 9, 2016, 12:47 PM
May 2016

I think Uber and Lyft are the new model of employment in America and we are going to all be working for literal peanuts soon.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
56. AFSCME Cab Drivers United Union member
Mon May 9, 2016, 01:13 PM
May 2016

Last edited Mon May 9, 2016, 02:39 PM - Edit history (1)

That's a myth. The taxi industry isn't going anywhere but it's a heavy lift taking on billionaire brats who operate in a Libertarian Utopia of no regulations. Part of the problem is the New Democrats are in cahoots with Silicon Valley, a media darling.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
61. We can't let it happen. That's why we formed a union. A year ago, City Council didn't really know
Mon May 9, 2016, 02:38 PM
May 2016

much about Uber. Now, 33 of 50 want to regulate them. Other cities are doing the same. Uber and Lyft just left Austin this morning because city hall wanted to fingerprint drivers.

Bernie's appeal demonstrates Americans are beginning to care about living wages again despite what Silicon Valley wants everyone to believe while trotting out armies of fodder chasing the crumbs. Even Uber drivers are forming alliances and have the Teamsters support.

We have a hurdle cities like Austin don't have; Uber is Rahm Emanuel's family business. It's getting interesting here. I'll keep you posted.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
63. His Hollywood agent mogul brother was an early and big investor and stands to make at least $1B
Mon May 9, 2016, 02:52 PM
May 2016

Anywhere else, this would be a conflict of interest and Rahm would have to butt out. Instead, he's standing in the way of the ordinance hearing. We could probably take him to court over that.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
64. I forgot to mention, the biggest single of things to come is the Fight For 15 movement
Mon May 9, 2016, 03:16 PM
May 2016

It's taken root in many cities and now even Hillary is onboard (despite saying $11 or 12 is enough).

Starry Messenger

(32,342 posts)
59. Disabled riders are elegible for cab vouchers.
Mon May 9, 2016, 01:52 PM
May 2016

Paratransit services in the Bay Area are cheap too.

Undercutting wages for a service just hits you in the wallet too. Lyft and Uber used to give better returns to the drivers, and have been reducing that every year. If you figure out how cheap you can hire a person, that's what you will pay them.

FrodosPet

(5,169 posts)
71. I am glad you understand that it is a desperation thing
Mon May 9, 2016, 07:46 PM
May 2016

Save all your receipts, you are going to need to save every penny you can on your taxes. Which you ARE putting money aside for, correct? As an independent contractor, you are responsible for self employment tax. Yes, you gotta pay both employee AND employer share of social security, plus quarterly withholding on federal and state tax.

As well, you need an "Oh, S**t!!!" fund of at least $2000 (preferably $3000+), when your wheels go down. How quick can you get back on the road if your ride breaks down or is in an accident?

Do you have a rideshare policy or rider for your car insurance? Uber's insurance will not cover any period that you are not on a run, or at least enroute to a run. And it only takes care of other people, not you. Damage to your car is on you and your insurance (who may cancel you, refuse the claim, and possibly even sue for fraud if you lie about doing rideshare).

Good luck, roll safely.

Demonaut

(8,909 posts)
73. no on the taxes, digging that hole right now but yes to everything else, car is still under warranty
Tue May 10, 2016, 07:26 AM
May 2016

and maintenance, tires I'm still responsible for too

FrodosPet

(5,169 posts)
74. Don't lie about rideshare re: the warranty
Tue May 10, 2016, 08:09 AM
May 2016

But if you can avoid revealing that you drive for Uber, that is your best bet to keep them from cancelling on you. Like insurance, a lot of warranties have "commercial" or "vehicle for hire" exclusions.

I have all the respect in the world for people like you who are trying to survive in a cold hard world. I have no respect for Uber and the way they blatantly lie and hang their drivers out to dry.

DonRedwood

(4,359 posts)
67. My mother supports herself as the owner of a taxi permit
Mon May 9, 2016, 04:45 PM
May 2016

she and my father both worked double jobs in the 1970s to buy a cab permit. The permit cost as much as a house at the time. I'm sure you completely understand how long it would take a taxi cab driver and his wife working double jobs to purchase a house/ cab permit.

then uber comes along and anyone with a car can drive and my mom, who is now almost 80, has a taxi permit that she bought intstead of a house. That's my problem with uber. You got to make my $93 yesterday while the value of a taxi permit in an uber city plumets to nothing and three taxi drivers driving 8 hour shifts can't make a living now.

and while an uber driver gets to drive whatever, a permitted taxi has special insurance, special driver's license, meters, etc. so they cannot compete if they follow the law while uber skirts them.

nothing against uber drivers, you're doing the same job as the taxi drivers i grew up with, but the playing field is making the owners of uber rich while they do nothing, while the permit holders and taxi drivers lose everything.

ananda

(28,783 posts)
68. Umm .... Logic 101
Mon May 9, 2016, 04:49 PM
May 2016

IF they already do everything they're sposed to, then ...

... why would they care whether the Prop passed or not?

And why leave the city in a huff cuz it didn't?

Some company will fill the void, one that likes Austin
just the way it is ... radical and anti-corporate.

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