PLEASE DON'T TURN THIS IN TO A POLITICAL ARGUMENT - IT'S BUSINESS DISCUSSION
The UBER "car service" (or whatever they are calling themselves) is now operating in my local area (Roanoke and Blacksburg, VA). I'm sure everybody has heard of these, but what are your thoughts on them?
If you choose to use the services, does that mean that you support unlicensed activity such as this in general? How about moonlighting contractors or electricians? Where do YOU draw the line? I'm not currently planning on using them, but for their opening weekend they are offering free rides until Labor Day... that makes it hard to ignore. Does that make me a bad person?
Licenses generally exist to protect the public. That said, the rating system via an interactive app may do that better than a governing entity.
The only drawback is when someone gets raped, killed by an Uber/Lyft driver there will be no governing entity to call to carpet.
> PLEASE DON'T TURN THIS IN TO A POLITICAL ARGUMENT - IT'S BUSINESS DISCUSSION
>
> The UBER "car service" (or whatever they are calling themselves) is now operating in my local area (Roanoke and Blacksburg, VA). I'm sure everybody has heard of these, but what are your thoughts on them?
>
> If you choose to use the services, does that mean that you support unlicensed activity such as this in general? How about moonlighting contractors or electricians? Where do YOU draw the line? I'm not currently planning on using them, but for their opening weekend they are offering free rides until Labor Day... that makes it hard to ignore. Does that make me a bad person?
Here is San Francisco area, it is very useful but is usually slower and cost more than a cab. I am not sure I fully understand your statement of unlicensed activity. California's PUC does have some regulations in place, but they are not regulated like taxi cabs. However, I do not know if these services do a check to verify driver's have licenses and insurance, but if they do, isn't that the license you need. The claim to be ride-shares, so if you give your buddy a lift for gas money, is that an unlicensed activity?
Brad Luken, LS
I would not support UBER or LYFT services. Fact is, a Cab license is very expensive and not easy to get, and insures regulation and checks on the vehicle and driver. A license to become an independent cab owner can cost as much as $1 million in NYC. No Joke.
Honest people are paying a lot of money to run a legit business, are getting undercut by freeloaders. I wouldn't support that.
> Here is San Francisco area, it is very useful but is usually slower and cost more than a cab. I am not sure I fully understand your statement of unlicensed activity. California's PUC does have some regulations in place, but they are not regulated like taxi cabs. However, I do not know if these services do a check to verify driver's have licenses and insurance, but if they do, isn't that the license you need. They claim to be ride-shares, so if you give your buddy a lift for gas money, is that an unlicensed activity?
>
> Brad Luken, LS
CLAIM TO BE is the key here. The app makes the connection. This is not a friend helping a friend for gas or beer money. (I'm not trying to start an argument - I truly appreciate your input)
Clark Howard has nothing but good things to say about the Uber business model.
Mostly because cab companies have local governments under their thumb dis-allowing other the opportunity to compete.
The licensing issue with Uber driver's is up to the DMV. It takes no extra special licensures like a PE or PLS or MD or attorney, et. al.
I say more power to the Uber drivers and let the cab companies go home crying.
From what I hear, one of the drivers can not take another fare until the previous rider has made a public review about their service.
> I would not support UBER or LYFT services. Fact is, a Cab license is very expensive and not easy to get, and insures regulation and checks on the vehicle and driver. A license to become an independent cab owner can cost as much as $1 million in NYC. No Joke.
>
> Honest people are paying a lot of money to run a legit business, are getting undercut by freeloaders. I wouldn't support that.
I think you relayed the sentiment that I was trying get at much more succinctly than I did.
When I had my home office built, I made sure that it was built by a VA Class A Contractor instead of "some guy". Was this contractor my buddy that I've known for 15+ years? Yes. But, when I tell people that they should get a Licensed Surveyor to find their property corners instead of "some guy that has a transit", I can relay this story to get them to understand. The UBER/LYFT dealio seems a little more like the "guy that has a transit" sort of thing.
Again, thanks for the input.
Carl
Love the idea and am not a bit concerned about taxis. Moving people around efficiently is far more important to me and this does it.
