The Uber experience has changed our opinions on ride-sharing apps. Uber may have its own advantages but the rules governing the use and existence of these ride-sharing apps is now being seriously reviewed on the state level. For some, this means lessening the advantage of these apps over our local cab, limousine, and Universal Taxi service companies.
No Fines for Uber
We have been saying for a long time now that Uber should be subjected to stricter rules. It should be a basic requirement that companies like this provide insurance that passengers are traveling in safe vehicles, driven by qualified drivers, and covered by accident insurance. This bullying from ride-sharing apps is manifesting in a rather different way: much nicer cab drivers. Fines and suspension of licenses are the biggest reasons for the sudden changes in cab driver attitudes. By nature, Uber and similar apps are not required to be transparent in customer complaints against them. This means that they are not getting fined the same way we are.
Nicer Cab Drivers
Our non-emergency hotline 311 tracks and releases information on the number of complaints against cab companies and drivers. This is a check that ride-sharing apps do not need to be subjected to at the moment. And since jobs are much harder to come by nowadays, our universal taxi drivers here in Chicago are nicer than usual. According to data, there has been an 18% decrease in total complaints against cab drivers. The breakdown is as follows:
| Year | Number of complaints on reckless driving | Credit card payment | Rudeness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 4,244 | 448 | 647 |
| 2013 | 5,288 | 715 | 858 |
| 2014 | 4,491 | 682 | 891 |
Dangerous Tactics by Uber
There have been many instances when Uber exposed itself to be the unethical company that it is. Sexism has been reported in the highly documented case of Lucy. The way Uber even threatens to expose the personal lives of its detractors is by no means inspiring. Digging up dirt to throw at opponents should have been enough to question the entire practice of Uber.
Another case involving an entrepreneur and his Uber SUV showed the unflinching disregard Uber has for its users. In front of journalists, Peter Sims’ exact location was shown in real time. Even though it was made to look like an innocent showcase of new technology, the mere fact that Peter’s activities were made public is enough to send shivers down my spine.
The so-called “surge pricing” of Uber is also under attack, as evidenced by the unanswered complaints on its website. This spike in fees is felt when there is a high volume of Uber cars requested, bad weather, and heavy weekend nights. Though Uber warns of the possibility in changing fees, the shock felt by its users can no longer be ignored.
Sweet talking can only get Uber so far. Our dissatisfaction with their unfair practices, both to competitors and users alike, has already gotten state-wide attention for regulation. We are all attentively waiting for the results of these investigations to see just how much more Uber can get away with.
