Tag Archives: Uber

Insight

Uber Track Record Continues to Prove that Taxis are Safer

We came across a news headline a couple of days ago that said, “Yet another Uber driver arrested.” As a part of the taxi industry, a headline like that one really makes me mad. Ridesharing services like Uber penetrated the transportation industry seemingly out of nowhere. And since then, the war between this service and cabbies became a worldwide issue.

Safety is one of the major issues in this transportation battle. While we won’t lie and say that there’s no security issues with taxis around the globe, we’re confident to claim that conventional cabbies are a lot safer than ridesharing services like Uber. The controversies with Uber drivers alone can make passengers feel unsafe, even before contacting the ridesharing company. Most of the complaints Uber get involved sexual assault perpetrated by the drivers. This is a sensitive point with the company since Uber is known for having a questionable process of vetting their drivers.

In the past year alone, a staggering number of high-profile incidents involving Uber drivers attacking their passengers made the news. These unfavorable incidents even happen here in Chicago. This is the reason why traditional taxi dispatches make it a point to drill safety and security information to their drivers.

The New App

Traditional cabbies fight back the lure of ridesharing services by providing a safer environment. The security of passengers is of the utmost importance to cabbie drivers, that’s not a secret. To add to this security, Chicago cab companies like Universal Taxi Dispatch are now using an exclusive transportation app. The Universal Taxi app allows potential passengers to:

  • Estimate his fare from Point A to Point B.
  • Acquire various transportation services like corporate accounts, airport pickups, and delivery packages.
  • Choose the right kind of vehicle the passenger wants to use.
  • Provide feedback about the driver and the service.

The last service of the Universal Taxi app is very important because it’s the way the company assesses and regulates its drivers. Routine evaluations help in determining which drivers need to be looked into, and what other areas of security can be strengthened.

The Dangers of Uber

Because ridesharing service has become such a hype these days, a lot of passengers want to try Uber. This is even with all the safety controversies revolving around the service. But exactly how dangerous is Uber as opposed to traditional cabs and limos? The thing is that there’s no specific way to gauge this. It’s always a case-to-case basis. But one thing is for certain, with the quantity of bad feedback and complaints Uber get involving its drivers, there is undoubtedly a security problem. The news about its loose vetting system for drivers and personnel doesn’t help at all too. It seems like in every city where Uber is popular, headlines about Uber drivers doing wrong is becoming a normal occurrence. The company dismisses this vetting issue though. The company’s spokesperson said that their background checking process is consistent everywhere and more rigorous than before.

Although Uber’s embarrassing safety incidents can boost the status of traditional cabbies, we hope that this security issue ends. The passenger’s safety and well-being must always be the driver’s number one priority.

 

 

 

News

The War between Taxis and Ridesharing Services Continues

Ridesharing services invaded the transport industry with hardly an introduction. This is apart from its tempting promises about changing the way people commute and travel. Commuters started using the Uber app in 2009 to get in touch with personal drivers wanting to use their own vehicles to offer strangers a lift. Since then, the hype about this transportation breakthrough grew. When word spread around about good deal rates, similar businesses like Lyft soon followed.

As expected, the cab industry responded with its own rightful buzz. For one, taxi companies stressed that ridesharing services offered unfair competition. This is due to the fact that they weren’t required to stick to the same regulations as cabbies. Without the need for background checks for their drivers, car inspections, certification fees, and further insurance coverage, the expense of operating is lower for ridesharing companies.

Cabbies Fight Back

Just a few months ago, here in Chicago, we launched a fresh start against ridesharing services. This plan is to sponsor a software for passengers to hail local cabbies. The strategy was an important part of a deal which includes monetary support for cabs, like fee breaks, approved by the city council. A union majorly consisted of cab drivers and taxi operators organized this plan in Chicago last year to push hard for the package. This approved plan is the way of the taxi industry to level the playing field. The use of app for conventional taxis is starting to gain popularity now, thanks to the software from trusted companies using it already, like the Universal Taxi app.

The Universal Taxi Dispatch is a great example of this company-based transportation mobile app. It’s a safe way to acquire various services like airport pick-ups, corporate accounts, package delivery, and even school riding programs. By using the app, the passenger can also estimate his fare from point A to point B.

Chicago Cabbie Mobile App

The Chicago regulation commits the city to develop a mobile app that will function as a main dispatch for all of the city’s taxi companies. It is not yet established how the mobile app is going to be implemented. No word yet on who covers the cost for it, and whether rideshare services can bid for the agreement to acquire or run it as well. For the meantime, I suggest that local and foreign passengers can use company-based apps such as Universal Taxi to get the services that they need.

Labor groups state that the taxi industry is suffering from similar problems with low-wage workers in the fast-food and other service industries. This is particularly true with their dormant wages and restricted dealing privileges. The taxi industry projects that this Chicago measure, that includes lowering the fees drivers pay to rent their car, reducing fine amounts , and providing cab drivers a share of in-car marketing earnings, will collectively boost revenue for drivers up to $8,000 each year. As an experienced cabbie, I can honestly say that this is an incredibly great, positive news.

As for the services from the other side of the court, Uber declined to give a comment about the issue. Although, the controversial ridesharing company says that its functionality and safety were better than those of the cab industry.

 

Insight

Chicago Cabbies versus Uber Drivers: Who’s the Safer Choice?

Considering the ongoing turf wars in Chicago between the taxi drives and the Uber drivers, it is a good idea to take a look at all the aspects that make up the two. It is by looking at these factors that riders in Chicago can decide which mode of transportation offers them the very best benefits.

The Argument

It can be said that most people in the city tend to go for Uber because it is trendy and it offers them rides using apps on their phones. Indeed, Uber offers a kind if service that is hip, trendy, and convenient for people these days and this is perhaps why people love them. Of course, other people tend to state different reasons such as the fabulous kinds of cars that get to pick them up, the environmental friendliness of such a service, and some of them touch on how safe these Uber rides are as compared to Taxis.

That begs the question: Are Uber car rides really safer than taxis?

Most people tend to think that Uber car rides are safe and this isn’t to say that riding on an Uber service will get you killed. Rather, this is to say that it might be a lot less safe than most people think. In fact, according to some consumer advocates, the moment you sign the Uber agreement you are basically signing your life away.

The Case in Point

There have been several reports of Uber drivers assaulting their passengers and that is not a good thing. Again, this isn’t to say that Taxis are safe havens where no one ever gets robbed or assaulted but when you hail a cab, you do not agree to anything but to have that driver bring you from point A to B. there is no need to sign or agree to anything unlike with Uber where you basically tell the company that they have nothing to do with you in the event that your Uber ride goes bad.

There have been several interviews with the higher-ups and owners of the service where they say that safety is their number one concern and that they strive to take measures that will protect Uber riders but that contradicts what is said in their terms and conditions where it clearly states that users accept all the risks that come from using the service.

The Bottom line

This is in no way to disparage Uber because it does have its fine points. This is not to say that Taxis are the best and are 100% safe. Rather, this is just to let you know that Uber is not as safe as you may have been led to believe and that in some ways, they are riskier than riding a regular cab. Perhaps the lesson you need to take here is to be always aware and on your toes. Should you need a cab ride, without having to use Uber, then you can check out the app by Universal Taxi. This App by Universal Taxi can be found here

Insight

Why Taxis Still Have the Edge Over Ridesharing Services

We here at Universal Taxi admit that there has been a whole lot of talk over the whole Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services thing and how they are taking away business from local cab drivers. However, we are fair and we have done our fair share of work into finding out just why people are going crazy over these services and why local taxi drivers are getting nervous. We admit that the idea of being able to summon a nice –looking car via a mobile phone has its appeal; we understand why people prefer ridesharing services to local taxis but people should also know that despite the growing number of ridesharing enthusiasts, taxis still have an edge.

What is the Edge?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the matter, it is first a good idea to have a look at exactly what ridesharing services have to offer. For one, they tend to be cheaper than local taxis and another is that they can be summoned with the use of a mobile phone- this is why it has been hailed so many times as godsend to travelers and drunken revelers alike. No more waiting at the curb and waiting for an empty passing cab because when you ping an Uber diver, that car is yours for the duration of the trip. Looking at it that way, you can say that these ridesharing services do spell the doom of local taxis but that isn’t necessarily the case.

These ridesharing services have a darker side to them and they are what ultimately gives the taxis an edge. You see, for taxi drivers to become legit taxi drivers, they have to make sure that they register their rides and get the proper licenses; these drivers are professionals which means they are, or most of them, are pros at driving. On the other hand, you have a ride sharing industry that is basically made up of anyone that has a car and wants to make pennies.

Uber, along with other ridesharing services claim that they are totally safe but face it, they do not give complete control over the people that drive Uber service cars and they have no real responsibility over what happens. This isn’t to say that Uber services and other ridesharing companies are not safe, rather it is a way of saying that there are no guarantees that they will take responsibility for any untoward incidents.

Another plus that gives local taxis an edge is that they have to go to emission testing centers and once they pass a certain limit, they are no longer allowed on the road unless they do something about their emission problem. Ridesharing services on the other hand are not required to undergo any such test and they can pretty much have a whole fleet of idling hummers on the roads just waiting for passengers.

That said, these things still give local taxi drivers an edge over ridesharing services and these should be carefully considered by those that are debating on the benefit of using local taxis vs. ridesharing services. For those that want the convenience of a rideshare service with the benefits of a taxi, you can check out the Universal Taxi app here.

Insight

What Are the Safety Features of the New Universal Taxi App?

The Chicago taxi system is rebounding from the losses brought about by ride sharing apps. It is no secret that these apps almost obliterated the taxi industry. Even if these ride sharing apps still hold an unfair advantage over taxis, new innovations are now in service to commuters in the city. The Universal Taxi Dispatch App promises all the conveniences of the taxi and many other safety features.

Regulated Service

The taxi service is bound by the full extent of government laws in commuter safety and service. Taxi drivers must be properly licensed. Service vehicles must conform to minimum safety requirements as well. Non-compliance with these regulations results in stiff penalties such as license suspensions and fines to the taxi company. Since neither of these situations is ideal, taxi companies make sure that every ride taken is secure and offer maximum convenience.

This is in sharp contrast with the lack of driver regulations of ride sharing apps. Much profit is made from the distinction between the drivers of apps like Uber and Lyft and taxi companies. Since it is technically not a business, these ride sharing apps can get away with delivering a full service with pay without any interference from the law. This is dangerous because your safety is at risk when unqualified drivers decide to join these apps.

New Universal Taxi App

When you book a taxi, its license plate and other relevant details will be displayed on your screen. You receive an estimated total fare based on distance. You can also see your taxi service on a map in real time for accurate time estimation. If you want to contact your taxi driver directly for directions or instructions, you can also do that with a touch of a button.

The new Universal Taxi Dispatch App also features a direct line for any customer suggestions and complaints. You can rate your taxi experience this way and give feedback on driver rudeness, reckless driving, and bias over payment methods. Taxi companies are legally bound to respect any customer feedback. Any case made against taxi companies can result in license suspension and stiff fines.

The Universal Taxi Dispatch App lives up to current commuter standards. Its simple and friendly user interface is compatible with most Android versions and iPhones. It is, however, suggested that iOS be used for iPhones. The app can also be used by most iPads and iPod Touch versions.

Sources:

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141106/river-north/cab-drivers-friendlier-than-usual-uber-lyft-competition-could-be-why

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-taxi/id941145239?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apcurium.MK.UniversalTaxi&hl=en

http://alternativeto.net/software/u-taxi-dispatch/

Insight

Chicago Cabs vs Uber and Lyft

These days modes of transportation are quite vast. When talking about going places within a city or state, there is the economic-friendly bicycle, the motorcycle, the private cars, some buses, the traditional cabs, and now, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, to name a few. Once upon a time, you had to hail a cab from the curb, or call for a cab or town car if you want to get spared from the hassle. Now, hailing a cab is easier done through a mobile app, although the first two options are still always readily available. Oh, how lifestyle evolves to adapt to the latest technological innovations.

There have been a lot of hoo-has in the universal taxi industry where traditional cab drivers complain about the unfair treatment the Chicago taxi companies get as compared to the privileges ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft receive. There has been a legislative discussion on the so-called war between universal taxi establishments and the emerging rideshare insurgencies where it seems that the former may be fighting a battle they are bound to lose.

Most Chicago citizens have become ‘traffic cops’ wherein they can easily jot down on a piece of paper some information of a cab they did not like and phone 311 to report it. This could lead to the cab company or driver paying fines and court costs. Rideshare cars usually do not have any markings, stickers or whatnot that could differentiate them from private cars, so ‘traffic cops’ wouldn’t easily get to them and take advantage of them.

Traditionally, taxicabs have become an institution that deemed to be permanently part of the urban life, until rideshare services and innovations entered the picture. It is true that rideshares can offer utmost convenience to its customers, with all the information (driver’s information, vehicle type, estimated time of travel, etc.) readily available with just a swipe of your finger. Paying wouldn’t even be a hassle since you will be charged via your credit card (details of which will be asked from you before booking a ride) and a receipt would be sent via email (credit brittany). Probably the only problem with this would be that fares would be subject to surge pricing, which usually happens during peak season or in the case of bad weather.

With this kind of technological innovation available to consumers nowadays, there is no doubt that the traditional taxi industry is in shambles. More than that, most cab drivers feel that they will eventually lose their jobs as their profession is slowly becoming extinct.

Insight, Taxi App

Sizing Up the Competition: Rideshare vs Taxi Services

Taxi services have taken people around for as long as I can imagine, but recent enhancements to technology have given people other options, such as ridesharing services. This has, of course, given cabbies quite a headache given how stiffer the competition has become. Let’s see how traditional taxi services compare to the new ridesharing services, and decide where passengers are getting better value for their money.

Ridesharing Services

Rideshare gives both drivers and passengers the convenience of linking one to the other through just a few taps on their smartphones. Passengers do not even need to shell out any cash or take out their credit cards; the app itself takes care of the payment. Cab sharing services like Lyft and Uber also offer promos every so often, sometimes allowing drivers to have a higher percentage of the earnings at specific hours. For drivers, this is very, very good news considering how little investment they shell out (as they use their own car), how flexible their hours are, and how bigger they take home in earnings after expenses. For passengers however, there could also be problems outside of the convenience. Rideshare drivers do not have to get a special license to qualify as one, nor are they required to pay for insurance. Rideshare companies also claim to conduct background investigation on each of the drivers before accepting them, but there have been numerous reports of rideshare drivers having criminal records or displaying bad or offensive attitude. Yes, the app allows you to rate the driver so that they can block the driver’s account if anyone reports anything bad. But what good is a bad rating if something bad has already happened?

taxi cab

Taxi Services

Taxi drivers and companies in Chicago seem to have the worse part of the bargain here especially in terms of investment. To be able to operate a cab in the city, you would need to have a medallion, which could cost roughly around $300,000. Taxis also have to be replaced every four years, which means that you would have to use those years to save up for a new car after that period. You also pay roughly $600 a month for insurance, taxes, gas, and other expenses. As far as the quality of services is concerned, taxi drivers go through so much just to be given a license to become a taxi driver. You need a clean driving record, pay for insurance, and pass an exam, a physical, and a number of other qualifiers. Taxi services have also been upgrading their services to make it more convenient for passengers to book them. Aside from allowing you to call them or book online, Universal Taxi now offers a downloadable app that allows you to call for a taxi wherever you are.

So now, you decide. Should you leave your safety to a common person with a driving license and an old car, or to a cabbie driver licensed to chauffeur passengers?

Insight

Uber’s Destructive Tactics and Bullying

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.

News

Competition Drives Complaints Drop Against Chicago Cabbies

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This must be an Uber effect. The charts below are from the  Department of Business Affairs and Consumer.

Complaints agaisnt Chicago Taxi Cab drivers has significantly deacresed. Some say it is driven  by the competition, making cabbies behave a better to keep from losing customer to Uber. Some say Uber drivers are actually the ones who are rude and some sketchy, after all they are just regular people driving their own cars, they are not professionally licensed or trained to drive passengers.

Taxi drivers are forced to operate under rules that ride-sharing companies don’t deal with. There is currently an unfair advantage for ride-sharing in Illinois, as companies like Uber and Lyft operate without the same kind of consumer protection laws that help ensure the safety of Illinois passengers. On top of this, there’s no real transparent way for the city to track ride-sharing complaints, except on Twitter and online. Bother companies privately manage the driver ratings, such data is not shared publicly.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

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News

Former Lyft Exec Accused Of Stealing Confidential Data Before Joining Uber

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Former COO Travis VanderZanden is being taken to court for breach of his confidentiality agreement and fiduciary duty weeks after the executive joined Uber.

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A year-and-a-half, Lyft acquired VanderZanden’s Cherry venture, an on-demand car wash startup. Due to his previous operational experience, VanderZanden was installed as COO and helped lead the company’s strategic roadmap as it expanded into a number of new cities over the course of the following year.

VanderZanden left Lyft in August after reported tensions with company founders John Zimmer and Logan Green. Several months later VanderZanden landed at Uber, where he was hired to aid with the company’s international growth.

Before that, however, Lyft claims the former executive copied a treasure trove of confidential information on his way out the door. By doing so, Lyft alleges VanderZanden has breached the confidentiality agreement he signed at the time he joined the company.

“We are disappointed to have to take this step, but this unusual situation has left us no choice but to take the necessary legal action to protect our confidential information. We are incredibly proud of the dedicated and people-powered culture that we’ve fostered to support drivers, passengers and the entire Lyft community and we will not tolerate this type of behavior.” –  said a Lyft spokesperson.

While this two companies battle over data ownership, Universal Taxi is preparing to release its new Mobile Booking Application.

Here’s Lyft’s complaint against VanderZanden: 

Lyft Complaint Against VanderZanden

Stay tuned for more updates!