Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

JaiC t1_j3ayp6e wrote

The taxi system is a bloated, anachronistic mess, competing with rideshares, an exploitative, underregulated mess.

The reality is both of these systems are taxis. The only difference is how they're hailed. Regulation and pay need to move toward a sanity that is fair to all the drivers in both systems.

97

ironichaos t1_j3eqw8f wrote

With the curb app they are hailed in the exact same way now.

8

Cruxwright t1_j3bhcwy wrote

I lay some blame of the current car market inflation on the rideshares. Yes, COVID lead to some nasty supply chain issues. However, everyone and their brother that didn't want to work a min wage job drove demand for every make of sedan on the market. Meanwhile, the taxi companies, instead of doing major fleet refreshes, are only signing enough new leases to replace their maintenance hogs. So now the car makers are losing out on markets of scale because there's reduced demand for makes X,Y,Z sedans and they also have higher demand for all their other sedans. They can't do as large productions runs, which means changing out the production line which has ripple effects all down the supply chain.

The other thing that gets me is no one lays on the horn behind a cab. But some rideshare double parks, nope we're laying on the horn for 2 minutes instead of going around.

PS - the other thing is some cities' taxi commissions were trying to mandate high MPG, low emissions, EV adoption, etc. With rideshares becoming predominant, that's all out the window.

5

tribefan_12 t1_j3ciahn wrote

What regulation is needed? Uber works great

−15

aezart t1_j3cpjrc wrote

Regulations that make Uber treat their drivers like human beings.

12

tribefan_12 t1_j3cqdtn wrote

How are they not treated like human beings? They have way more generous time off and break policies than me

−16

AlanzAlda t1_j3dwyrf wrote

That's probably because they aren't an employee of Uber. Drivers are only paid a fraction of what you as a rider pay, and they only make money if they drive. That pay also has to cover their car lease, maintenance, gas, etc.

4

tribefan_12 t1_j3dxk54 wrote

So what? If it’s a bad deal, they wouldn’t do it

−6

cptspeirs t1_j3e80w9 wrote

Having done it, much of the 'bad' in the deal is hidden, or hard to see until it's too late. It feels like you're breaking even, or even making money, until you factor in wear and tear on your vehicle, gas, etc. Yes people do make money doing this, or it wouldn't exist, but you have to really do it.

5

[deleted] t1_j3f3kra wrote

Especially when you have to account for the taxes

1

zerogee616 t1_j3fh0qx wrote

> If it’s a bad deal, they wouldn’t do it

I'm glad you have this innate, superhuman ability to see everything before it's too late.

2

tribefan_12 t1_j3fh3zf wrote

So what percent of Uber drivers are actually being harmed without realizing it? Don’t be stupid.

Those people are in a far better position to make the decision for their lives than you are

−2

something-clever---- t1_j3cw4r7 wrote

The fuck it does. I use Uber/ Lyft more often then most, enough to be diamond with them when they has the status program.

Outside of the obvious labor issues that need regulation.

The wide range of types of cars you get is an issue. If I’m ordering an xl I don’t want a crossover rav4 I want an actual suv that will fit my gear or my people.

Also the safety issue. The cars are not inspected and quality is hit and miss. You can get a new Tesla or a roached out crown Vic that has been beaten within an inch of his life. It chaps my ass to pay 80 bucks to get the airport in a shit box.

5

tribefan_12 t1_j3cydwv wrote

Lol that hardly constitutes the government stepping in

If it were a bad deal for workers, why don’t they get a different job?

−2

something-clever---- t1_j3cymwu wrote

Actually it does “Lanham Act allows civil lawsuits for false advertising that “misrepresents the nature, characteristics, qualities, or geographic origin” of goods or services”

Also nice edit to change context.

3

tribefan_12 t1_j3czjdr wrote

Ok then you go sue them, good luck winning lol

−3