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Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Probably, at least here in Seattle where we now see more Uber/Lyft cars than cabs already downtown. The biggest hit is at the airport where the cabbies say they are not even making minimum wage now with so few runs. Despite the record number of passengers people seem to prefer Uber/Lyft.
It's probably location and economic driven. In my neck of the woods, Uber drivers are a revolving entity. Seldom will someone do it for long once they recognize their net income is peanuts. However, as they leave for other opportunities, others are stepping in. I belive the number of Uber drivers is in excess and that's what is keeping income low. Taxi drivers on the other hand probably would also be limited in income if not for their ability to pickup and drop off at certain government facilities. Uber drivers can't because they do not have to submit to a full fingerprint background check and carry a verifiable license. Additionally, taxis are clearly identifiable and they can be tracked long range via surveillance systems. Uber vehicles can get loss in the crowd.
As the local taxi company embraces technology allowing service request to be handled remotely, Uber's draw diminishes. Although the taxi fare may be higher overall, it's regulated and set so there are no fluctuations. But I think the draw to taxis is they are just viewed as safer instead of paid hitchhiking.
I learned to use Uber when I fly into SFO to visit my daughter.
With the "old school" taxi line, you get the next guy in line who is usually a recent immigrant who can barely speak english, who is driving a 5 year old rattletrap SUV and drives like a maniac. I don't feel safe. I question his driving skills and I had to navigate for him. The trip costs about $30 including tip.
With Uber, I generally get an educated driver with a 1-2 year old Toyota Camry or Prius. He has Google Maps up on the display, knows how to navigate, drives well, and speaks good English. The cost including tip is about $18.
I learned to use Uber when I fly into SFO to visit my daughter.
With the "old school" taxi line, you get the next guy in line who is usually a recent immigrant who can barely speak english, who is driving a 5 year old rattletrap SUV and drives like a maniac. I don't feel safe. I question his driving skills and I had to navigate for him. The trip costs about $30 including tip.
With Uber, I generally get an educated driver with a 1-2 year old Toyota Camry or Prius. He has Google Maps up on the display, knows how to navigate, drives well, and speaks good English. The cost including tip is about $18.
Which would You choose?
Ditto. Given my experiences with taxis and ubers, I'd take the Uber any day of the week and twice on Sunday even if the taxi was a bit cheaper, which it isn't. Uber drivers, in my experience, are more up to speed on modern technology and have a better attitude (when they get burned out they just stop doing it as few have made it into a "career").
The best part of Uber is the app, which lets me easily look up a route, see how much it will cost, and how long I'll have to wait. Simply press the button, the ride is ordered, lets me know the driver and the car that is coming, shows me exactly where it is and when it will arrive, allows me to directly contact driver to explain special details (gate code, which entrance, what color shirt I'm wearing, etc.), and if necessary to cancel ride.
I haven't used a taxi in USA for a few years though. Maybe they have similar apps now? I'd be surprised as their response to uber/lyft competition usually seems to be scare tactics and greasing local politicians to get uber banned or restricted rather than improving their own level of service to make themselves more attractive.
I learned to use Uber when I fly into SFO to visit my daughter.
With the "old school" taxi line, you get the next guy in line who is usually a recent immigrant who can barely speak english, who is driving a 5 year old rattletrap SUV and drives like a maniac. I don't feel safe. I question his driving skills and I had to navigate for him. The trip costs about $30 including tip.
With Uber, I generally get an educated driver with a 1-2 year old Toyota Camry or Prius. He has Google Maps up on the display, knows how to navigate, drives well, and speaks good English. The cost including tip is about $18.
taxi's are usually old police crown vics so that the driver is partitioned (bullet-proof glass) from the back seat.
i once took a car (before uber was a thing) from the bus station to about 10 blocks home. the driver told me $25 bucks (taxi wouldve been about $8). it was past midnite; i was in no position to argue or he wouldve dropped me off the docks -- literally (no dispatch log).
taxi's are usually old police crown vics so that the driver is partitioned (bullet-proof glass) from the back seat.
i once took a car (before uber was a thing) from the bus station to about 10 blocks home. the driver told me $25 bucks (taxi wouldve been about $8). it was past midnite; i was in no position to argue.
never again...
Uber has your name and the driver's name and registration along with the time and route you take. Taxis don't. Who the hell knows who is driving your cab ?
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