Transportation service Uber is one of the fastest growing companies today. And that is ticking a lot of people off, from cabbies to local governments.
Around the world, protesters have claimed Uber uses shady practices and loosely regulated tactics to steal jobs and business. While taxi regulations are extremely strict, virtually anyone over 21 with a valid drivers licence and a good car can become an Uber driver. ?Uber claims they’re simply providing services to people who can’t find good service otherwise and providing jobs. But a showdown is taking place in New York City. Uber put out a scathing commercial about New York City taxi drivers. The commercial portrayed them as drivers who would only pick up certain people in certain neighborhoods, suggesting people in minority neighborhoods have little chance in even catching a cab. Then there’s NYC major Bill DeBlasio, who accepted taxi donations, tried to block Uber’s progress in his city. Not all political leaders take such a hard line against Uber. On the campaign trail, Uber is about almost as big as a subject as the economy and Iran. Jeb Bush uses Uber on the campaign trail. Marco Rubio also embraces Uber. Hilary Clinton talked about Uber’s influence, and how it raises questions about future job and workplace issues. Uber isn’t going away.
On one hand, I see Uber’s point. As a minority, there was one time when I tried to hail a cab. He rode right past me and picked up a white passenger.And I’ve dealt with cabbies who weren’t nice. I’m not throwing the whole industry under the bus. That’s not my intention. I’ve had great and pleasant experiences with the vast majority of taxis. ?But this is the United States of America. This nation and it’s economy was founded on a free market enterprise system. On the other hand, I’m worried about Uber’s relaxed requirements of who becomes a driver. It almost seems like any sociopath can become an Uber driver. Who knows? Maybe Uber is the scare taxi companies need to treat their drivers better. Maybe Uber is the scare drivers need to treat their passengers better. Who do you side with? Uber or the world?