News, Review

Aldermen winning in taxi war with ride-booking companies

The renewed City Council fight over whether to require ride-booking companies like Uber and Lyft to use only drivers with a chauffeur’s license is sparking a campaign cash windfall for Chicago aldermen and some of their pet causes.

Most obvious is the giving by the Illinois Transportation Trade Association PAC, which represents traditional taxi companies, but both sides are opening their wallets.

Since a measure by Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, and other members of the City Council’s progressive caucus to require such a license, was introduced last month, ITTA has donated at least $23,000 to a total of 18 aldermen. Most got $1,000 each, but Beale received $5,000.

Beale was also a big beneficiary of money from ITTA in recent years, receiving $15,000 in 2014 and 2015, with a three-year total of at least $20,000, according to state financial disclosure reports.

In a phone interview late last week, Beale said he’s always been an ally of cab drivers and there is “no connection” between the donations and his sponsorship. “I haven’t cashed the ($5,000) check,” Beale added, saying he won’t decide whether to do so until later.

Beyond that, the progressive caucus, which has allied itself politically with a union representing cab drivers, has itself been a big winner .

The group got $10,000 in October and another $1,000 right after Beale submitted his plan. It also received $10,000 late last year from the union.

“A lot of outfits that come before the City Council make contributions,” said Ald. Ricardo Munoz, 22nd, who is listed in state records as caucus chairman. “We listen to the arguments and try to be as fair as possible.”

I can find no sign that Uber and Lyft, the other major company in the field, have made similar contributions recently, though Lyft did donate $5,000 to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-electionfund in March 2015.

But in response to a question, Uber spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said the company did donate “several thousand dollars” to the City Council Latino caucus’ scholarship gala in November.

“We do not make political contributions to anyone as a matter of policy,” and the caucus event was for charity, Anderson said.

Other sources said they believe the donation was $10,000.

Also, lobbyists working for Uber and Lyft have been active donors to aldermen.

For instance, Nicolay & Dart, which Anderson said was officially retained by Uber last week, donated $1,000 each to progressive caucus members Scott Waguespack, 32nd, and Roderick Sawyer, 6th, in April.

The lobbying firm has donated several thousands more to other aldermen and their political organizations since last fall, when it was representing Lyft. But Nicolay & Dart has numerous clients, not just ride-hailing companies.

Uber’s main lobbyist is Mike Kasper, Anderson said. He’s the election lawyer who helped Rahm Emanuel fight off a residency challenge when he first ran for mayor in 2011.

The Beale bill is the second attempt by aldermen to toughen rules on the ridesharing companies. Last year, the council decided against requiring Uber and its competitors to mandate chauffeur’s licenses for drivers. The new Beale proposal would also require more intensive background checks for drivers.

The companies said the rules are onerous, unnecessary and potentially devastating to their business. Taxi companies said the rules would even the playing field and protect riders.

News, Review

Chicago taxi group asks appellate court to even playing field with Uber

CHICAGO — An attorney for Chicago’s taxi industry on Monday argued to a federal appeals court panel that the city of Chicago has unconstitutionally enforced two sets of rules for the taxi and ridesharing industries, making it impossible for cabbies to compete with Uber and Lyft drivers.

The argument in front of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals marked the latest effort by the city’s taxi industry to stem the financial tumult caused by the emergence of rideshare companies that some in the Windy City says is inching the legacy cab industry to the precipice of collapse.

Meanwhile, an attorney for three Chicago-area ridesharing drivers urged the appellate court to affirm an Illinois federal judge’s April decision to reject a preliminary injunction requested by city’s taxi industry that would have forced Uber and Lyft drivers to face the same regulations as taxi drivers—including the requirement they be fingerprinted, obtain a chauffeur’s license, and undergo the same vehicular safety inspections as taxi drivers.

The argument in front of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals marked the latest effort by the city’s taxi industry to stem the financial tumult caused by the emergence of rideshare companies that some in the Windy City says is inching the legacy cab industry to the precipice of collapse.

Meanwhile, an attorney for three Chicago-area ridesharing drivers urged the appellate court to affirm an Illinois federal judge’s April decision to reject a preliminary injunction requested by city’s taxi industry that would have forced Uber and Lyft drivers to face the same regulations as taxi drivers—including the requirement they be fingerprinted, obtain a chauffeur’s license, and undergo the same vehicular safety inspections as taxi drivers.

Chicago’s city council in June passed an ordinance that would require ridesharing drivers to get a special license, one that is easier to obtain than the chauffeur’s license required for taxi and livery drivers.

The ordinance, which was pushed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, was far weaker than what some members of Chicago’s city council were advocating for, including requiring rideshare drivers to acquire a chauffeur’s license and be fingerprinted.

Instead, the recently passed ordinance requires rideshare drivers in Chicago to complete online training. The city also decided to further study the possibility of fingerprinting for rideshare drivers in the future.

In contrast, Chicago taxi drivers are required to take a class in-person that costs more than $300 and also be fingerprinted to obtain a chauffer’s license.

The weaker ordinance came as Uber and Lyft threatened to leave Chicago if more onerous regulations were passed in the city. The companies did just that in Austin after voters there rejected a proposal by the companies to self-regulate their drivers and mandated that drivers undergo fingerprint background checks and have emblems on their cars.

“What’s the rationale for having fingerprinting for one and not the other?” said Shakman, who represent the Illinois Transportation Trade Association, which includes dozens of licensed cab companies.  “What’s the rationale for requiring a chauffeur’s license for one and not the other?”

The taxi industry also complains that the lack of regulation of ridesharing by Chicago and other cities has lead to owners of medallions—the city issued permit that owners of taxis must obtain to operate—seeing the value of their property diminish.

In 2013, the price of taxi medallions in Chicago peaked at $357,000. In April, a medallion was transferred between owners for $60,000. Taxi medallion owners in other cities have also seen the value of medallions plummet.

“It’s fundamentally unfair to the people who have played by the city’s rules since 1937,” said Shakman, referring to the inception of Chicago’s medallion system.

Judge Richard Posner, a member of the three member appeals panel, countered that it was absurd to assert that there aren’t fundamental differences between rideshare services and the taxi industry, which justifies different types of regulations.

At one point, Posner suggested that what is happening to the taxi industry was similar to what happened when to the “horse-and-buggy.”

“This is what competition does,” Posner said. “It wipes out industry.”

In a related case, the 7th Circuit also on Monday heard an appeal from the Joe Sanfelippo Cabs Inc., which had unsuccessfully sued the city of Milwaukee over its decision in 2014 to lift the cap it had placed on the number taxis that it would permit to operate in the city.

Sanfelippo and other legacy cab companies filed suit against Milwaukee that ending the cap devalued the taxi permit holders’ property without compensation. Milwaukee taxi permit holders had been able to sell the permits for up to $100,000 on the secondary market prior to the cap being lifted.

Anthony Sanders, a Libertarian public-interest attorney involved in the Milwaukee and Chicago lawsuits, said the two cases will play a critical role in determining how cities will approach regulation of the taxi and rideshare industries in the future.

“Deregulation is not a taking (of property),” said Sanders, with the Arlington, Va.,Institute for Justice. “There are serious questions about shackling taxi cabs to regulation, but the solution is not to shackle them on drivers like my clients. The solution deregulation of the taxi cabs.”

The appellate judges did not say when they would return with their decisions on the two cases.

 

News, Review

Why Hiring a Chicago Cab is Better than Riding the L

Don’t get us wrong. The L is great , and has become quite an institution around the Chicago area. However, taking it all the time has its own sets of pros and cons. Once you figure out what the downsides are the L instead of taking a Universal Taxi, you just might realize that the latter is the better choice.

1.It drops you off exactly where you’re supposed to go

One huge downside to the L is the fact that not every place you go to is found next to a train station. You would have to find the station nearest your destination . Og course , not every place around Chicago has a station near it, so you would end up having to do a lot of walking. Take a Cab and you get off right where you’re going.

2. It picks you up right where you are

It doesn’t matter where you are around the city. Just call a cab and you can expect to be picked up right where  you’re standing. You can even download the Universal Taxi app and book a cab straight from your phone without having to call the cab company . The app lets you send the driver all the information they need to find where you are, and just like that, your cab pick you up any minute.

3. It lets you have great conversations with a true-blue Chicago cabbie

One of the great things about Chicago cabs are the cabbies themselves! these cabbies know everything there is to know about the city, making them the perfect companions for those who are just visiting, or are still new to the area. They can also give you great recommendations on places to see and food to eat, and could serve an instant tour guides for those who are still unsure where they’re going.

4. It is rarely late.

Universal cabbies are known for their courtesy and proffessionalism, and are rarely late for appointments. Should you find yourself booking a cab in advance , expects the cab to be there at your doorstep at the exact time your asked it to be . Chicago cabbies know the flow of traffic quite well, so they know which routes to take to make sure they’re on time every time. As for the train, its ounctuality is something you can’t control. And if the train comes in late, then you have no other choice but to either wait it out, or find other options at the last minute.

5. It can be scheduled ahead

Through the help of the Universal Taxi app, you can book your cab ahead of time. This allows you to take care of all your other errands without having to worry about getting a ride at the last minute. This is such a huge convenience, especially for people who follow a strict schedule.

Without at doubt, taxis are better choice than the L  most of time. The L is a great way to expereince Chicago every now and then . But if you plan on getting around  the most efficient way possible, they best way to do it is by taking a cab.

 

 

 

Review

How to Make Traveling to Chicago Enjoyable for Children

If Chicago is the next travel destination of your family and your kids are 16 years below, you would appreciate the many parks, zoos, restaurants and museums all over Windy City. Going around the city with the help of Universal Taxi is a huge advantage. We’ll safely take you and your children anywhere you want to go.

Best Places in Chicago for Children (and Adults!)

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been born and raised in Chicago or if it’s your first time to visit the city. The following places will be a sure hit among kids and kids at heart.

Restaurants for Kids

  • American Girl Place Café

Pretty little girls aged 4 to 12 who just can’t wait to grow up will find this place fun. The café serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, and holds tea parties that girls’ dreams are made of. It is best to call ahead for reservations as the place is quite popular. Make plans and check for the specific time they serve meals and tea.

 

  • Rainforest Café

Make your vacation meal more adventurous in this restaurant built to look like a rainforest in the city. The restaurant has three branches in the city. Guests of all ages will be amazed by the ambiance and the natural outdoor feel of the place, not to mention the awesome food being served here.

Nature Tripping

 

  • Lincoln Park Zoo

 

This travel stop has become quite popular because of the fantastic display of holiday lights during the winter and the great view of the city during the warm, clear weather. The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos in the US. Kids are bound to learn more about animals and have fun interacting with their favorites.

  • North Park Village Nature Center

Experience the March Maple Syrup Festival and be one with nature as you visit the North Park Village Nature Center. Here you’ll find deer, birds of different species, bees, and many others. Teaching your kids to become nature lovers would be very easy when you bring them to this haven.

Cultural Attractions

 

  • Museum of Science and Industry

 

This is one of the best museums in Chicago where you will find high-tech stuff for both children and adults. Aside from various exhibits, the museum features some behind-the-scenes as part of the tour. There’s a lot to explore in this place of technology including robots and mazes. Youngsters aged three and above will have a grand time in fairy castles and steel trains. There are space-themed activities, too!  

 

  • Chicago Cultural Center

 

The building itself is a tourist attraction. Free monthly events like concerts and various kiddie activities make this an even more exciting place to visit. Check the center’s calendar so you can make plans accordingly.

Whenever you are traveling with kids, free yourself from stress by allotting extra time for the little ones’ mood swings and random kiddie acts. Let them have fun. If the kids would like to explore the city using different rides, go with the flow. You can catch a Universal Taxi one day and take the L the next. Be open to spontaneity. That would make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Review

How to Effectively Promote a Taxi Business

Owning or managing a taxi business requires a combination of skill, patience, and determination. This is particularly true these days when ride-sharing schemes – among other modes of transportation – are rampant. You need to think of ways to stand out from your competition.  You must have an edge to stay in the game.

Word of mouth – although still one of the best ways to market a product or service – is not enough anymore. There’s certainly a need to widen the marketing net to target more prospects. You have to bring out the big guns to encourage commuters to choose riding a cab over taking the bus or the train.

The hitch that most taxi operators encounter with this plan is money. Not all taxi companies have ample budget for marketing. Small taxi operators find it hard to compete with the companies because of financial limitations. But, this shouldn’t be the case.

Take our company for instance. Universal Taxi in Chicago is not the biggest taxi company in the Windy City, but it surely is one of the most reliable and top-rated. Why? Because aside from providing high-quality service, we reach out to Chicago commuters – locals and tourists alike – in different ways. How?

 

  • We optimize the online world.

 

The internet is a big, big world. It can be pretty overwhelming if you don’t know how to properly navigate it. But we find ways to effectively promote the services we offer. For example, we now have a Universal Taxi app to make it easy for our clients and prospects to book our services. We use Chicago online forums to reach out to commuters and inform them how we can help make their travel convenient. We have social media channels where passengers can get in touch with us. They can ask us anything – from making a reservation to schedule confirmation.

Social media plays a huge part in marketing any kind of business, especially in the transportation industry. Practically everything can be searched online. There are apps specifically created to provide directions, assess road movement, and spot traffic areas. By getting current with these tools, you can encourage commuters who use online resources and apps to try the services you offer.

 

  • We provide topnotch service.

The online world can only do so much. The bottom line will always be the quality of service you give to your clients. That’s where word of mouth comes in. If you consistently provide high-quality service to your passengers – like we do at Universal Taxi – they will trust you to deliver every time. And then they’ll become regular clients who will most likely recommend your company to others.

There is no marketing strategy more effective than showing your market that you can provide the services they need. And that stems from the efforts of everyone in the company – not just the taxi drivers, but also the personnel who handles bookings, the admin who manages web marketing, and even the all-around help who washes the cabs.

Effectively promoting your taxi business starts with effectively providing the services you offer.   

Review

The Different Kinds of Cab Services

Across the country, you will encounter different kinds of cab companies. Because of this, some people may get confused when visiting or moving to a different state. If you’re hoping to get into the business, or would like to find out more about the usual Universal Taxi cabbies driving you around, it’s important to understand how different each cab company is from the others.

Medallions

In a lot of major cities, there is a limit placed on the number of taxis allowed in the streets. After all, if you allow every cabbie wannabe to start picking up passengers, then you’ll probably have more traffic than the city streets can handle, not to mention an influx of untrustworthy drivers taking people from point A to point B. Thus the medallion system.

Buying medallions are required if you want to drive people around. Some cities that use medallions are New York and Boston. These days however, because of the threat of competition from ridesharing services, the prices of medallions have been trending down.

So if you chance upon a cabbie who does not have a medallion, it’s possible that his service is illegal.

Ownership

Cab companies may also be independently-owned, while others are controlled by huge companies. Independent cabs usually has only one driver with a single unit. As far as huge companies are concerned however, they would often have over a hundred cabs under their name.

Of course, the cab drivers aren’t really considered as employees of these companies. More often than not, these cabbies are still independent drivers who are merely leasing the taxi by the hour.

Chicago Cabs

In Chicago, cabbies also buy medallions to be able to drive people around in the taxis they either own or lease. There are quite a number of cabs around, but it can get pretty tough to hail a cab especially during the rush hour when there are ten other people trying to wave to the same cab you saw. It’s great that cab companies like Universal Taxi have their own mobile app, which allows the user to just stay put, book a cab, and wait for it to pick them up.

Some cabs have medallions, while some risk the chance of driving around without the proper permission from the government. Some own the taxi they drive around, while others just lease the unit for now and hope that later on they’ll be able to save up for their own. Some cab companies just let their drivers roam around and pick up passengers at random, while some offer the convenience of having the taxi pick the passenger up at a specific location with just a few taps on a mobile gadget. Truly, the cab industry has grown so much that you’ll encounter so many different kinds of cabbies and cab companies in a single day. If one thing’s for sure though, it’s the fact that cabs still offer the most convenient way of moving from one point in the city to another.

Review

The Best Questions to Ask a Cabbie

Chicago cabbies are not just known for their superb driving skills, they are also known for being friendlier than other cabbies around the country, or even the world. They are, after all, used to driving tourists all over the city. And knowing what a beautiful city this is, they’ve probably had hundreds of conversations with passengers from all over, too.

But sometimes, cabbies won’t be the first ones to talk. Hop into a Universal Taxi and you’ll find that sometimes, these cabbies can be quite shy, too. Cases like these, they’re just waiting for you to ask the right questions. Any of these questions below would be the cue for them to start revealing their friendly selves:

  • “Busy day?”

Any human being would actually enjoy being asked how their day has been, especially if you’ve been behind the wheel the whole day. This is one question that would trigger a great conversation, with the cabbie telling you anything from that accident he witnessed downtown to the famous passenger he drove just before you hailed him.

  • “Pulling in a few extra hours?”

This is perfect if you booked a ride through the Universal Taxi app really late at night. It could prompt the cabbie to tell you about a new home he’s hoping to buy, or a nice gift he wants to get for his daughter. Every hour worked beyond the usual will always have a story behind it, and that’s one great story for you to hear as you drive from point A to point B.

  • “Ever had any famous passengers?”

Probably every cabbie has had a famous passenger, especially if they’ve been driving around the city for quite some time. If you chanced upon a cabbie who’s fairly new in the business however, there’s a possibility that they haven’t been lucky just yet. In this case, you can always follow that up with “I bet you’ve had some weird ones though.”

  • “You been in Chicago long?”

Although cabbies seem to have mastered the streets of Chicago, not all of them have lived around here all their lives. If you’re new around the city, maybe this will give you the chance to meet someone who also hails where you come from. And when you’re lucky enough to experience that, you’re going to find yourself enjoying the ride as you reminisce about home.

  • “How’s business these days?”

This is a particularly touchy subject, knowing that cabbies are still at war with ride-sharing services. It’s the best way to get your cab driver to talk though, knowing that they would definitely have a lot to say about the subject. If you’re the type who enjoys political conversations and other pressing issues, then this is the perfect question for you to ask.

Starting a conversation with a cabbie could be the best thing you can ever do in Chicago. It’s a great way for you to get a glimpse inside a local’s mind, and could score you a few pointers from someone who knows every road and corner in the city as well.

 

Review

Safety Tips for Chicago Commuters

Chicago is a pretty cool place to live in, especially if youre into art and architecture. Of course, no place is perfect, and Chicago has its own set of risks as well. Yes, 2015 did show a considerable decline in the number of crimes related to public transport. But there will always be instances when you may not be so lucky.

If youre fairly new to the city, you can definitely use the following tips to keep yourself safe:

 

Watch out for busy times and seasons.

The rush hour will often post the more risks when it comes to public transport. After all, the more people on trains, the more cover pickpockets will have as well. Be aware that there is a higher risk of crime over the summer season as well, simply because thieves and robbers know that there are more out-of- towners during this season.

Map your trips ahead of time.

Walking around and making it obvious that youre new here is not going to help your cause atall. If your route is not automatic to you just yet, make sure you map it out in your head so that you wont have to get caught standing around, scratching your head on some random train platform.

 

 

Use the bus and train trackers.
Its great that there are CTA travel apps that would allow you to find out when the trains and buses are coming. It will allow you to spend more time moving around and less time waiting alone on a deserted bus stop.

Always stay near any form of authority.
When you sit near the train operator or the driver, there is also less chance of anything untoward happening to you. Criminals would always position themselves in areas where it would be very difficult to alert the authority.

Keep your back pockets empty.
Your back pocket is the riskiest part of your body because its one area you wouldnt be able to see as easily. Pickpockets will always have an easy time grabbing anything thats in your back pocket without you feeling a thing.

Keep your valuables hidden.
So you bought the latest smartphone thats worth someone elses salary for a few months. Theres no need to broadcast it by flaunting it on the train or in the bus. That only serves as a magnet for every criminal on the public transport system.

Take a cab instead.
If you arent too familiar with the city just yet, better grab a cab instead of rising it. You can book a cab and ask for a pickup through the Universal Taxi app no matter where you are around the city. Universal Taxi will also make sure you get off at the right place. Try not to experiment with public transport at critical times if youre still new around town.

Public transport may be the cheaper option, but its not always the safest. Especially for newcomers like you, make sure you ease yourself into being a Chicago commuter slowly but surely

 

 

 

 

 

News

Relocating to Chicago? The Best Ways Around the City

It may be a lot colder in Chicago compared to a lot of other cities around the country, but the art, architecture, and the culture that defines Chicago still acts as quite a powerful magnet for newcomers. Because of this, its not at all surprising that a lot of professionals still decide to move to Chicago and call it their home.

If youre new around the city or are just about to relocate, here are the best ways for you to get around:

Walking
Especially if you want to explore the sights before anything else, walking would be the best way for you to get around on your first few weeks. Its the best way for you to familiarize yourself with the city around you while catching a glimpse of the art and architecture at the same time.

Public Transport
Public transport around Chicago is quite efficient, and its also one of the cheapest ways to go. There are visitor passes available that would buy you an unlimited number of rides over a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day period. Grab a guide that would help you become more familiar about bus and train schedules, as well as different stops that would take you to wherever youre going.

Biking
There are tons of biking trails all around Chicago, making it a great city for you to bike around in. Of course, one would have to consider the weather before grabbing your bike to roam around. If youre lucky enough to catch a clear day, then this is the best way for you to grow a new appreciation for the city as you look at it from a different perspective.

Taxis
Cab drivers around Chicago are known to be knowledgeable and gracious, making it a great choice to get around. Choose one of the more established cab companies like Universal Taxi and youre guaranteed to have a cabbie whos going to be willing to show you around your new home. Even better, you can make it more convenient by using the Universal Taxi app that allows you to book a taxi wherever you may be.

With so many options for you to get around, youll definitely feel right at home in no time. Chicago is, after all, a place that youd be proud to call your own.
Just a few parting tips to help you get settled:

  • Lake Michigan is Chicagos natural border to the east, so you can use it as a reference point.
  • Chicago is laid out vertically, so keep this in mind in trying to figure out directions from one place to another.
  • Chicago uses a numerical grid system, so you may want to familiarize yourself with that to make directions easier.
  • Taxis are your best bet if youre planning to go beyond downtown.

Enjoy Chicago and make the most out of this beautiful city. It may be a bit hard for you to find your way around on your first few days, but the more you explore your new city, the more you can embrace it as if youve been here your entire life.

News

Rediscovering Chicago through the Eyes of a Local

If there’s anyone who can truly explain what a wonderful city Chicago is, it has to be the locals. Chicago is not just about looking at travelogues and walking to wherever it leads you. It’s also about going right to the heart of the people who continue to make it the iconic city that it is.

If you’re in town for a few days, instead of burying your nose into a travel guide written by someone who’s probably not even from around these parts, get out there and start talking to people. A great place to start would be Chicago cabbies, so download the Universal Taxi app, book a ride, and experience a city tour that’s straight from the eyes of a true local.

Here are a few tips that locals would probably tell you:

  • Be ready to blow your diet.

Chicago has such a rich culture, and when we say culture, it’s not just about the art and the architecture. This includes food as well. Exhibit A: The Chicago deep dish pizza. Yes, it has more calories than you would dare take in on any normal day. But this is not a normal day, this is a day when you expect to experience what Chicago is all about, and pizza is one of the best ways to do just that.

  • Be ready to stay up late.

Yes, there are late night bars in Chicago that would serve you drinks until the wee hours of the morning. Where other bars around the country are already on their last call, the partygoers in Chicago are just starting to warm up. This is a special license though, so you can’t exactly demand the same kind of service in every bar. Ask your Universal Taxi cabbie and he’ll probably know every place that has this service.

  • Oak Park is where most dreams are made of.

Sure, taking a glimpse of the Magnificent Mile can give you a glimpse of some great architecture. But if you’re looking for something more personal, then consider yourself warned. Taking a walk through Oak Park will have you hoping that you lived here.

There are 25 structures in Oak Park designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and if you have zero idea about who he is, then you’ll remember him from now on. The amazing architecture scattered all over a residential street can make you remember about childhood dreams you probably had about how life is going to be when you start building a family.

  • Navy Pier is overrated.

Yes, every single travel guide will tell you how cute the carousel and Ferris wheel is at the Navy Pier. But for locals, this is one place you should avoid by all means, unless you’re really itching to see the Shakespeare Theater. It’s overcrowded and there really isn’t much to see. Period.

These are things that you probably won’t hear from your usual travel guides, but then again, that’s the exact reason why locals are the best people who can show you around.