Lyft's IPO came out 4 weeks ago. Drop 22% in that time. People are still optimistic. Here's my take on ride-sharing companies ipo.
1. Will they be able to make a profit. No! They would need to cut staff drastically. Take more money from drivers. Which would lead to more drivers leaving that platform. Which in turn lead to longer wait time. That leads to consumers leaving to other platforms.
2. Stop discounting fares to consumers. Which is the only real reason people use them.
The major reason for their optimistic future! Not!
3. The future is in autonomous vehicles!?
First, they would need a huge new investment in those vehicles. They would need ten's thousands of new vehicles. Just New York city alone they would need a minimum of 10,000 cars. Let's not forget insurance. Which most of cost is paid by drivers. Yes, Lyft has insurance put mostly only liability insurance.They would have to get commercial insurance. Which is a lot more expensive than personal car insurance.
Opps, let's not forget the staff for maintenance, cleanings and refueling in every market (city). That includes buildings and parking for the fleet. Then staff to run the fleet. They still need software to manage the fleet. Where the cars go during the day or night. Get permission to park fleet cars when they are not in service.
No real future without screwing consumers! Regulation will come in for these companies which will cap their growth.
No real answers by any ride-sharing companies. How they would do all these things or where the money will come from.
Just some of my thoughts why I would never invest in these companies.
Showing posts with label Uber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uber. Show all posts
Saturday, 27 April 2019
Saturday, 30 April 2016
Taxi technology VS Uber's
I'm tired of listening to people talking about Uber's technology. Please! They are so weak in that area that it make a mockery of the transportation industry. Trucking, alone has had gps tracking for decades. The taxi industry has had gps tracking of their fleet for well over 15 years. Most taxi companies use a digital dispatching system. Online booking has been around for at least 10 years. Third party apps have been around also for 10 years. Where's the innovation? You drop a pin, and a car shows up! Really? STOP and look! People looking at their phone. Trying to find their ride! While a taxi is just outside. They call the driver to give directions or explain where they are. SIMPLE??
Safer? How does technology make driving safer? Drivers constantly looking at a small screen to get direction. Gps tracking? Uber refuses to give information to police all the time. They say that they cooperate with the police or regulators. But every time the authorities have to fight with Uber to get information. In most case in the Region of Waterloo, the Taxi industry will have the information or video for the police in a hour or less.
Safer? How does technology make driving safer? Drivers constantly looking at a small screen to get direction. Gps tracking? Uber refuses to give information to police all the time. They say that they cooperate with the police or regulators. But every time the authorities have to fight with Uber to get information. In most case in the Region of Waterloo, the Taxi industry will have the information or video for the police in a hour or less.
Friday, 1 April 2016
My White paper on the white paper of Canada's Competition Bureau
After reading the white paper from the Competition Bureau, Modernizing Regulation in The Canadian Taxi Industry, I find the lack of real information or truths disheartening. This paper is most likely written by group of millennials. How could they know the very reasons for Taxi regulation, or care. They only see the someone driving a car, and think that anyone can do that job. Also, they only using examples of Toronto and Ottawa taxi services. Where here in the Region we uses a different and maybe a lot better method of taxi service.
I read through the white paper. Here's some of my counterpoints to their points of TNCs (taxi service). Especially for my region.
Price:
It's true that TNCs can offer lower prices than the taxi industry. How? Uber uses investor's money to pay minimum wage to Uber drivers. But at what cost? Driver's of TNCs (Taxi Service) do not understand underlying cost of operating a vehicle as business (wear and tear, depreciation value of vehicle and replacement cost of vehicle). They only see amount of money they make. If they pay taxes they would lose 13% to HST. Surge pricing does not guarantee more vehicles on the road just more money for Uber.
Availability and waiting times:
I quote "TNCs may reduce waiting time". Here in Waterloo Region wait times are so low that taxis are waiting longer for customers than it took to get to the customer. Uber has given numbers on their wait times, but there has been no verification of numbers just Uber's word. Here the taxi industry they must keep records, and allow regulators to look at them.
Uber does not take into consideration there are people in rural areas. Uber does not operate in those areas in the Region. Also a lot people in the rural areas do not use technology or credit cards (Mennonite). How does Uber offer services to these people?
Convenience:
The convenient feature the TNCs (taxi service) provide is all a gimmick. Uber uses ghost cars on there map. Showing cars that are not there, but giving a estimate time of arrival of 7 minutes or more. Taxi companies looked into this. Some companies have put this option on their apps. But, different do to response of internet security. Uber method has been hack into. Customers accounts have been abused. Why need tracking when you are only 2 minutes a way? For years taxi industry have used a call out feature to let their customers know that their vehicle has arrived.
Quality of service:
Here in the region the competition put pressure on all taxi companies to improve the quality of service way before TNCs (taxi service) came into the Region. There are 5 companies all fighting to keep and increase customers base. Most people that come to the Region to visit or business are surprise by how great the taxi service is in the Region. People from San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and rest of the world. Where TNCs exists. They are all surprised how clean and professional all the taxi service here in the region.
Conclusion:
Don't understand how the Canada's Competition Bureau step in a municipality concerns. Oh!!! That's right! 's approach the Competition Bureau. Saying there's no real competition in the taxi industry. Competition Bureau didn't look at the regulations to understand what they are for. Just hearsay from company with no vested interest in the community. Just money.
I read through the white paper. Here's some of my counterpoints to their points of TNCs (taxi service). Especially for my region.
Price:
It's true that TNCs can offer lower prices than the taxi industry. How? Uber uses investor's money to pay minimum wage to Uber drivers. But at what cost? Driver's of TNCs (Taxi Service) do not understand underlying cost of operating a vehicle as business (wear and tear, depreciation value of vehicle and replacement cost of vehicle). They only see amount of money they make. If they pay taxes they would lose 13% to HST. Surge pricing does not guarantee more vehicles on the road just more money for Uber.
Availability and waiting times:
I quote "TNCs may reduce waiting time". Here in Waterloo Region wait times are so low that taxis are waiting longer for customers than it took to get to the customer. Uber has given numbers on their wait times, but there has been no verification of numbers just Uber's word. Here the taxi industry they must keep records, and allow regulators to look at them.
Uber does not take into consideration there are people in rural areas. Uber does not operate in those areas in the Region. Also a lot people in the rural areas do not use technology or credit cards (Mennonite). How does Uber offer services to these people?
Convenience:
The convenient feature the TNCs (taxi service) provide is all a gimmick. Uber uses ghost cars on there map. Showing cars that are not there, but giving a estimate time of arrival of 7 minutes or more. Taxi companies looked into this. Some companies have put this option on their apps. But, different do to response of internet security. Uber method has been hack into. Customers accounts have been abused. Why need tracking when you are only 2 minutes a way? For years taxi industry have used a call out feature to let their customers know that their vehicle has arrived.
Quality of service:
Here in the region the competition put pressure on all taxi companies to improve the quality of service way before TNCs (taxi service) came into the Region. There are 5 companies all fighting to keep and increase customers base. Most people that come to the Region to visit or business are surprise by how great the taxi service is in the Region. People from San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and rest of the world. Where TNCs exists. They are all surprised how clean and professional all the taxi service here in the region.
Conclusion:
Don't understand how the Canada's Competition Bureau step in a municipality concerns. Oh!!! That's right! 's approach the Competition Bureau. Saying there's no real competition in the taxi industry. Competition Bureau didn't look at the regulations to understand what they are for. Just hearsay from company with no vested interest in the community. Just money.
Friday, 8 January 2016
Taxi industry getting SCREWED again!!!
It's been awhile since I wrote anything on Uber and the taxi industry! It was announce that Aviva Canada came up with ride-sharing insurance. Who is going to check if insured is following the contract? Upto 20 hours a week? Licensed for a minimum of six years? Driver's abstract? Not Uber! They can't even follow their own rules. Since Uber started in the Waterloo Region illegally. Drivers have been driving without proper insurance. Driver under the age of 21. What has the Region to protect consumers? Nothing! Now Uber has put onus on the driver to have proper insurance, without checking if they got it. How responsible of Uber to it's customer and the rest of society.
Aviva Canada is largest taxi insurer company. Thier rates for the taxi industry has increased almost every year. If you're lucky you pay only $5400.00 a year. That's with a clean driver's record and no claims. Also it's a fleet rate to keep cost down. So, how in hell does Aviva can only charge few hundred dollars on top of personal insurance? Where can I get the same treatment? I would be paying peanuts!
To the regional councillors, you all have failed in so many ways. The trust of local businesses. The protection of people under your watch. The growth of corruption of society! Should I keep going? I can.
I wrote this today, because people in the taxi industry are worried! Years of hard work going down the drain. For what? Jobs? Wake up councillors!! I thought the region believe in a living wage? Good moral code? Uber has lied in everything that they say! You keeping stalling to see someone else come up with a solution. Or, scared to do the right thing?
Aviva Canada is largest taxi insurer company. Thier rates for the taxi industry has increased almost every year. If you're lucky you pay only $5400.00 a year. That's with a clean driver's record and no claims. Also it's a fleet rate to keep cost down. So, how in hell does Aviva can only charge few hundred dollars on top of personal insurance? Where can I get the same treatment? I would be paying peanuts!
To the regional councillors, you all have failed in so many ways. The trust of local businesses. The protection of people under your watch. The growth of corruption of society! Should I keep going? I can.
I wrote this today, because people in the taxi industry are worried! Years of hard work going down the drain. For what? Jobs? Wake up councillors!! I thought the region believe in a living wage? Good moral code? Uber has lied in everything that they say! You keeping stalling to see someone else come up with a solution. Or, scared to do the right thing?
Saturday, 12 September 2015
Uber destroying the fabric of society
Now that Uber has started in the Waterloo Region. At first they really didn't hurt us. but as the time goes by they are starting to hurt us. Mostly at nights and weekends.
What Uber has done will affect everyone. Uber has promised to create jobs. What kind of the jobs? They're calling it casualized workforce. Where people from all walks of life can just start working on a whim. Customers are the ones that benefit from this. But also Uber. Uber does not care about the downfall of this type of economy. It's goal is to change what was a trade to a simple part-time job. Where man and woman that had full-time careers in the taxi industry. From drivers, call takers and office management team. All this jobs are now in jeopardy. All because someone wants to make more money than God. So far Uber has spent a lot of money to destroy the taxi industry. Thinking that they can simply go around the laws that are there to protect the consumers and the taxi industry. Saying that they are only a technology company. The simple truth is that they are a transportation/taxi company.
Uber's public image is a corporation that wants to change how people get around. They're gone out of their way to avoid regulation. The reason for regulations is to protect customers. But, Uber says it does a better job than government regulators. Let's see their track record. Improper insurance coverage for drivers and passengers. No oversight of drivers' abstract record. No proper car inspection. Corporation like Uber only looks at the bottom line. Now, UberX or UberPop drivers are paying the price. With improper insurance coverage. Drivers involved in a accidents are being left out in the cold. Promises of wages better than the taxi industry. True. Only until Uber has a larger market share. Than Uber takes 25% of the fare and still dropping price of the fares. To hold onto their market share. Drivers are forced to make less or work longer hours to make up the difference. When times comes to replace their vehicle. They won't have enough money to purchase one. So, here comes Uber to the rescue. By offering deals of financing from one of their many partners. You get the picture. I hope.
People say that taxi industry is a monopoly? Really what Uber has done. Is making a monopoly. One large taxi company around the world. Without care for the customers. Killing the taxi industry around the world. How one corporation be allowed to destroy a industry that has been around for ages. Local companies like Waterloo Taxi, United and City Cab (Kitchener) fighting off a company that subsides it's drivers to steal customers. By lying about the taxi industry. Faster, safer and cleaner. Which anyone in my region knows is not true. If Uber wanted to go head to head in a fair fight. They would lose. Drivers would leave them, for they would not make the money that they were promised. Customers would not step in a car without proper insurance, or know who is really behind the wheel. How safe is that car? No real documentation on the vehicle.
People are so caught up with Uber's marketing that it's funny. Technology company? At Waterloo Taxi we use more technology than Uber will ever use. Customers can simply call. E-mail or uses two different apps that are available. We can even still run our service if the internet goes down or like in 2004. Power outage. People will get a cab. We don't use sub-standard equipment, but use commercial grade equipment. Including software and GPS. How often is the gps on your phone inaccurate? You trust that for commercial uses in a business?
The taxi industry is not perfected. But, here in the region we are working to improve the service all the time. I would like some changes to improve the industry. But, it takes people to go to the government and talk about the industry. I'm one of many owner/operators of Waterloo Taxi. Just a guy trying to make a honest living for me and my family. I drive four days a week. I have 2 other people that drive my vehicle for the rest of the week. They rely on me to make sure my cab is safe and clean. Which I take great care of. It's not just my income but theirs also. Next time you want to go out. Remember! There's people that went out of their way to become a taxi drivers. Uber's drivers are just out there without any care of the rules. Just to make a quick dollar.
Uber is destroying full-time jobs. Call takers, and drivers won't be needed. Then there's the money that leaving the region. 25% of all fares will leave the region. It all equals to the demise of the fabric of our community. Where owners like me will have find ways to save money. Like stop sponsoring local teams. Advertisement ads, or cutting jobs at the office. In the long run the consumer will pay. Surge pricing and slower response time. Look at what's happening in California. Law suits against Uber. It will effect in the price of the fare. It's just a thought. Think about what will happen when Uber is the only business around.
What Uber has done will affect everyone. Uber has promised to create jobs. What kind of the jobs? They're calling it casualized workforce. Where people from all walks of life can just start working on a whim. Customers are the ones that benefit from this. But also Uber. Uber does not care about the downfall of this type of economy. It's goal is to change what was a trade to a simple part-time job. Where man and woman that had full-time careers in the taxi industry. From drivers, call takers and office management team. All this jobs are now in jeopardy. All because someone wants to make more money than God. So far Uber has spent a lot of money to destroy the taxi industry. Thinking that they can simply go around the laws that are there to protect the consumers and the taxi industry. Saying that they are only a technology company. The simple truth is that they are a transportation/taxi company.
Uber's public image is a corporation that wants to change how people get around. They're gone out of their way to avoid regulation. The reason for regulations is to protect customers. But, Uber says it does a better job than government regulators. Let's see their track record. Improper insurance coverage for drivers and passengers. No oversight of drivers' abstract record. No proper car inspection. Corporation like Uber only looks at the bottom line. Now, UberX or UberPop drivers are paying the price. With improper insurance coverage. Drivers involved in a accidents are being left out in the cold. Promises of wages better than the taxi industry. True. Only until Uber has a larger market share. Than Uber takes 25% of the fare and still dropping price of the fares. To hold onto their market share. Drivers are forced to make less or work longer hours to make up the difference. When times comes to replace their vehicle. They won't have enough money to purchase one. So, here comes Uber to the rescue. By offering deals of financing from one of their many partners. You get the picture. I hope.
People say that taxi industry is a monopoly? Really what Uber has done. Is making a monopoly. One large taxi company around the world. Without care for the customers. Killing the taxi industry around the world. How one corporation be allowed to destroy a industry that has been around for ages. Local companies like Waterloo Taxi, United and City Cab (Kitchener) fighting off a company that subsides it's drivers to steal customers. By lying about the taxi industry. Faster, safer and cleaner. Which anyone in my region knows is not true. If Uber wanted to go head to head in a fair fight. They would lose. Drivers would leave them, for they would not make the money that they were promised. Customers would not step in a car without proper insurance, or know who is really behind the wheel. How safe is that car? No real documentation on the vehicle.
People are so caught up with Uber's marketing that it's funny. Technology company? At Waterloo Taxi we use more technology than Uber will ever use. Customers can simply call. E-mail or uses two different apps that are available. We can even still run our service if the internet goes down or like in 2004. Power outage. People will get a cab. We don't use sub-standard equipment, but use commercial grade equipment. Including software and GPS. How often is the gps on your phone inaccurate? You trust that for commercial uses in a business?
The taxi industry is not perfected. But, here in the region we are working to improve the service all the time. I would like some changes to improve the industry. But, it takes people to go to the government and talk about the industry. I'm one of many owner/operators of Waterloo Taxi. Just a guy trying to make a honest living for me and my family. I drive four days a week. I have 2 other people that drive my vehicle for the rest of the week. They rely on me to make sure my cab is safe and clean. Which I take great care of. It's not just my income but theirs also. Next time you want to go out. Remember! There's people that went out of their way to become a taxi drivers. Uber's drivers are just out there without any care of the rules. Just to make a quick dollar.
Uber is destroying full-time jobs. Call takers, and drivers won't be needed. Then there's the money that leaving the region. 25% of all fares will leave the region. It all equals to the demise of the fabric of our community. Where owners like me will have find ways to save money. Like stop sponsoring local teams. Advertisement ads, or cutting jobs at the office. In the long run the consumer will pay. Surge pricing and slower response time. Look at what's happening in California. Law suits against Uber. It will effect in the price of the fare. It's just a thought. Think about what will happen when Uber is the only business around.
Sunday, 6 September 2015
Toronto's Transportation Regulation Survey for UberX
Uber is asking their customers in Toronto to take a survey for Toronto's transportation services. Uber was nice of to give tips on their website. I copy it so people can read it.
August 6, 2015 Posted by Ian Black
I'm going to give my counter points to theirs!
August 6, 2015 Posted by Ian Black
City Hall is considering regulations for uberX and has asked
for input from all Torontonians on their experience with Uber, taxis, and
limousines in Toronto.
We would truly appreciate you taking 5 mins to complete the
City survey. The results will be used by City Hall to shape how ridesharing
will be regulated in Toronto going forward.
TAP HERE TO FILL OUT THE SURVEY
Tip #1: Read each question carefully because the rating
scale reverses for some questions.
Tip #2: “Taxicab” is used to refer to traditional taxis, not
an uberX vehicle.
OH! That Tip #2 of theirs is not true either. They are a taxi service just not a very good one. Only one way to request a ride. No Disability vehicles. Must have smartphone and credit card.
A few things to consider:
- Regulated fares = dramatically higher fares. They also mean lower hourly driver earnings and worse reliability of service for riders. Price fixing and supply caps make for poor policy.
- Ridesharing is safer by design. Our innovative technology ensures every ride is GPS tracked, passengers and riders are known to each other, and there’s no stash of cash in an Uber.
- Ensuring public safety is essential. We require uberX driver partners to undergo a background check (RCMP, local police records & driving record) and a 26-point vehicle inspection.
- Training courses don’t equal better service. Every Toronto taxi driver undergoes a city training course. Uber uses in-app ratings and educates driver partners on an ongoing basis about how to provide 5 star service. We believe our approach leads to better results.
- Every uberX ride is backed by Ontario insurance covering bodily injury and property damage.
I'm going to give my counter points to theirs!
- Regulated fares = fair and never changing fares. That means no surge pricing. Reliable service do to drivers will be able to make a living wage.
- Ridesharing is not safer by design. Their technology is not innovative or new. GPS tracking has been used for years before Uber came on the seen. In-car GPS system is more accurate and update then any phone gps system. Plus, emergency call button is installed in taxis.
- Ensuring public safety is essential. Uberx drivers undergo background check. But not the full background with fingerprints to verify the person. Plus Uber, doesn't really care. They need cars on the road. Their vehicle inspection is a joke. It's simple walk around inspection. That should be done daily on any commercial vehicle. Where in the industry they must get a MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) vehicle safety inspection done yearly. With surprise inspection done by by-law.
- Training courses don't equal better service. But, It's gives customers a consist customers service with proper educate drivers. Do's and Don't. Like asking for a date. Safe driving habits, over having a bottle water or mints in the car.
- uberX ride is not properly insured! If the uberX driver has not put on commercial insurance on his or her vehicle. Then they are not insured. You'll have to sue uberX and the driver. That's what their insurance is for. Liability insurance.
So, if you have friends in Toronto let them know the truth about uberX.
Take the survey !!
Saturday, 5 September 2015
Corrupt? Uber vs taxi
It's time to correct the misinformation from Uber and their lackeys. Here in the Waterloo Region the Taxi industry is a full partnership of owner/operators. That means that every taxi on the road has it's own owner. That owner is a part owner in a existing Taxi company. Not a corporation owning the taxis and a driver paying to drive that taxi. This way the owner has only one way of making a income. From that one car.
How is the taxi industry in the Region of Waterloo corrupt? We all follow the regulations in the Region. Pay our taxes. Employ people at our offices, office staff and call takers. Have drivers to drive our taxis to fulfil requirements that there is taxis on the road 24/7 and 365 days a year. Do community services by sponsoring groups and teams. Because we care about our community. We are part of the community. We have families and friends in this community. We put out for our community. Corrupt?
Some people have called us dinosaurs. Really! The taxi industry keeps updating all the time. From the days where taxi drivers would have to drive to the call centre to get their next call. To in-car radio dispatch which was considered a huge jump in technology. From there digital dispatch by radio, to digital dispatch by cellular. Where gps tracking has been used for well over a decade. Using the latest dispatch software. In the taxi industry here in the region you can request a taxi in many forms. Apps, emails, or phone. It doesn't matter how you request a taxi. You will get one, and faster. Not like Uber. They only have a app. With no back-up system if something goes wrong. Like New York City, ring any bell there Uber.
Uber would have you believe that taxi industry is outdated and not needed. For centuries hacks (taxi or carriages) were regulated to make sure the public were not taken advantage of. Uber believes that they are the only ones that can do a better job and cheaper. Cheaper only when times are slow. But when things get busy they have surge pricing. 2 to 3 times the regular fare. If taxis did that years ago we would have been burned at the stake. Now, people out there think it's perfectly alright to do that because a technology company from San Francisco says it's fair. How's it fair? Oh! You can wait until it slows down. Hmmm. So you wait or you pay. Extortion sounds right. That is one of many reasons why the taxi industry was regulated. It's easy to take advantage of people in the transportation business. That's why the government has regulate taxis. If Uber gets any bigger they will be one that are controlling the industry. With no oversight at all. That's a monopoly!
People call the taxi industry a monopoly. Here in the region there is 5 companies competing for business. Yes, the fare is all the same. To protect the customers and be fair to taxi industry. So, you say Uber does it cheaper. Yes. At what cost. First the safety of customers by allowing people that don't get vetted properly with a proper criminal check. There's more than one type of criminal check in Ontario. Improper vehicle safety check. Not a walk around visual check but a real MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) vehicle inspection like the taxi industry has to do every year. With also inspections from the Region by-law. Including surprise inspections and company inspections on top of that. With a paper trail to go with that. Now the real cost for taxi is the insurance. It's commercial insurance not personal car insurance with a third party liability insurance. For the people out there driving for Uber. You are not covered by your insurance in a collision. In your insurance policy it's state you will not use your car for hire. Uber's insurance is for liability of your accident. You will not get a cent from no one. And most likely will not get insured again. If not charged with fraud by your insurance company. Where is the saving? Here in the region there were two comparisons done. Uber said that they are 25% cheaper. The real results showed that they were not and in one case more.
Uber has made a lot of statements on the taxi industry which are true in some parts of the world. But not here. We don't drive old, broken down cars.
We don't care about our customers. In Fact, we care more. We don't discriminate. Unlike Uber.
We work with our local municipality to improve service for the community. Not work against it, like Uber. Which it forces it's will on the government. Costing the community time and money to insure that people are protected. Change is good. With the idea of protecting consumers from over zealot corporation. Think what would happen if Uber was the only transportation service provider. It's happening in California. The taxi industry is disappearing. Prices will go up! Corporation only want to increase their profits. That's why they are willing to lose money to gain market shares. Pay drivers a guarantee wage. So, that they can destroy the taxi industry. Then when the competition is not a threat anymore. Fares will start to increase.
How is the taxi industry in the Region of Waterloo corrupt? We all follow the regulations in the Region. Pay our taxes. Employ people at our offices, office staff and call takers. Have drivers to drive our taxis to fulfil requirements that there is taxis on the road 24/7 and 365 days a year. Do community services by sponsoring groups and teams. Because we care about our community. We are part of the community. We have families and friends in this community. We put out for our community. Corrupt?
Some people have called us dinosaurs. Really! The taxi industry keeps updating all the time. From the days where taxi drivers would have to drive to the call centre to get their next call. To in-car radio dispatch which was considered a huge jump in technology. From there digital dispatch by radio, to digital dispatch by cellular. Where gps tracking has been used for well over a decade. Using the latest dispatch software. In the taxi industry here in the region you can request a taxi in many forms. Apps, emails, or phone. It doesn't matter how you request a taxi. You will get one, and faster. Not like Uber. They only have a app. With no back-up system if something goes wrong. Like New York City, ring any bell there Uber.
Uber would have you believe that taxi industry is outdated and not needed. For centuries hacks (taxi or carriages) were regulated to make sure the public were not taken advantage of. Uber believes that they are the only ones that can do a better job and cheaper. Cheaper only when times are slow. But when things get busy they have surge pricing. 2 to 3 times the regular fare. If taxis did that years ago we would have been burned at the stake. Now, people out there think it's perfectly alright to do that because a technology company from San Francisco says it's fair. How's it fair? Oh! You can wait until it slows down. Hmmm. So you wait or you pay. Extortion sounds right. That is one of many reasons why the taxi industry was regulated. It's easy to take advantage of people in the transportation business. That's why the government has regulate taxis. If Uber gets any bigger they will be one that are controlling the industry. With no oversight at all. That's a monopoly!
People call the taxi industry a monopoly. Here in the region there is 5 companies competing for business. Yes, the fare is all the same. To protect the customers and be fair to taxi industry. So, you say Uber does it cheaper. Yes. At what cost. First the safety of customers by allowing people that don't get vetted properly with a proper criminal check. There's more than one type of criminal check in Ontario. Improper vehicle safety check. Not a walk around visual check but a real MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) vehicle inspection like the taxi industry has to do every year. With also inspections from the Region by-law. Including surprise inspections and company inspections on top of that. With a paper trail to go with that. Now the real cost for taxi is the insurance. It's commercial insurance not personal car insurance with a third party liability insurance. For the people out there driving for Uber. You are not covered by your insurance in a collision. In your insurance policy it's state you will not use your car for hire. Uber's insurance is for liability of your accident. You will not get a cent from no one. And most likely will not get insured again. If not charged with fraud by your insurance company. Where is the saving? Here in the region there were two comparisons done. Uber said that they are 25% cheaper. The real results showed that they were not and in one case more.
Uber has made a lot of statements on the taxi industry which are true in some parts of the world. But not here. We don't drive old, broken down cars.
We don't care about our customers. In Fact, we care more. We don't discriminate. Unlike Uber.
So who's corrupt?
We work with our local municipality to improve service for the community. Not work against it, like Uber. Which it forces it's will on the government. Costing the community time and money to insure that people are protected. Change is good. With the idea of protecting consumers from over zealot corporation. Think what would happen if Uber was the only transportation service provider. It's happening in California. The taxi industry is disappearing. Prices will go up! Corporation only want to increase their profits. That's why they are willing to lose money to gain market shares. Pay drivers a guarantee wage. So, that they can destroy the taxi industry. Then when the competition is not a threat anymore. Fares will start to increase.
That's why the taxi industry is regulated!
To protect the consumers!
Friday, 28 August 2015
A Letter to the Region of Waterloo — Uber
I missed the meeting to discuss how to regulate taxis and uber in the Region of Waterloo. So, I wrote this letter to the members of the committee of my concerns.
To the standing Committee of Licensing and Hearings
I am an owner/operator at Waterloo Taxi for the last 11 years. I have been driving in the region for 22 years. I started as a part-time driver for a friend then for others. The question of taxi regulation or deregulation in the Region of Waterloo? I have done my own research into this. I can say that regulation is the only way to insure that the safety and fairness to all, consumers and the taxi industry.
Uber has not brought in anything new to the industry at all. They are exactly the same as a taxi broker. This emerging technology is like when taxi companies went to in-car radio dispatch, instead of going to the office to get their next call. Over the last ten years the taxi industry has been growing with this technology. Now, in the region we’ve gone from radio dispatch to cellular technology. But, we still have the radio for emergency backup when the internet goes down. We’ve listen to our customers all the time, to improve the services. As Uber moves into the region, they say they will create jobs. Their real goal is to destroy the taxi industry, then to compliment it.
Uber is new, but what they have done will hurt everyone in the region. Taxi industry — unfair business practices equally to job losses in the Region. Consumers — discriminate people with disabilities, no credit cards, and no smartphone. Region — licensing fees and taxes. Ontario — the collection of HST which in return comes back to the region in funding.
I have only a few comments on the draft By-law.
Part 1 Section 21 –How it’s right that the taxi industry to be barred from receiving more licenses? If one or more taxi companies’ consumer base grows. They should have the right to expand the fleet to stay competitive. If the region see fit that no more meter taxi license aren’t needed. Then auxiliary taxi service should be also limited number.
Part III Section 34 sub-section 1 –Due to the requirements of this business of operating 24 hours 7 days a week. Drivers can work 3 or 4 days a week. Where the 10 hours is not enough to cover a shift. This is not like driving a transport truck. Drivers have a lot of waste time during their shift. Now, working more than 16 hours would be the unsafe number of hours in this industry.
Part IV Section 45 –Can a corporation obtain a license? If so, a corporation can hold a broker’s license. First thought comes to mind is Toronto, New York and all the large cities in the world, is their troubles in the taxi industry. The system we have here is a great example for the rest of the world. Every taxi owner is a part owner of one of these companies in the region. These owners are taking responsibility in their own business.
I like to thank you all for your time in reading this letter. My final comment is bias. The taxi industry in the region is one of the best in the world. How I can make this claim. Simple, customers from around the world say so. People visiting the Universities, The Perimeter Institute, and the entire tech sector in the region. We in the industry worked very hard to represent all the good in this community.
Thank You!
Victor Amorim (Waterloo Taxi-Car 34)
Wednesday, 12 August 2015
Uber - Marketing?? Word Games???
I just finish reading a blog from STRYVE Digital Marketing - 8 Reasons Why Uber in Kitchener-Waterloo needs to happen. He must really love uber! or he got paid?
There's the link to the blog http://stryvemarketing.com/uber-in-kitchener-waterloo/
1: Uber is easy to use and more efficient - really? The app is no big deal. Guess what? We have one and a new updated app is coming. With all the same features as Uber's. Oh! Can you get service 24/7? I don't think so! My favorite is "NO CARS AVAILABLE", Guarantee there will be a taxi working.
2: Uber is just as safe, if not safer than conventional cab - How does he know this? Uber's criminal checks hasn't pan out. Just check online! Car safety? Where's the vehicle safety certificate? Uber has been caught in the UK, not doing a proper vehicle safety inspection. Here in the Region of Waterloo each and every taxi is require to goto MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) certified garage and get a safety. The insurance that Uber carries is to cover Uber from liability. If the Car owner doesn't have commercial insurance than his insurance won't cover him or the passenger. Call a insurance company. Oh, do they have in-car video cameras. To protect customers and driver? We do!!
3: Uber is faster - I don't think so. I know more about these city than any gps system. Especially now with all the construction that going on in this region. Gps system don't usually take the shortest routes. Oh! We do have a gps maps on our in-car terminals also. Plus google maps has hard time keep up with all the new streets in the region.
4: Uber is more convenient - At a friend's house and you don't know the address? What you don't know the restaurant's name? Our database would have address on record. I hope your phone doesn't die while your waiting for that car!
5: Uber is cheaper - Not really! Proven in the region! Now if Uber carpooling was available than I can't argue, but it's not!
6: Uber is cleaner - Now this is real bullshit !!! I go out my way to keep my car immaculate! I don't want sit in filthy car also. In our company we do spot inspections on cars and anyone in the company or customer can report on any car that are not in good order. Those that are reported are automatically taken off the system until they're clean.
7: Uber will not put taxi drivers out of work - Tell that to the 8 drivers that lost their jobs. But, in reality driver's in the taxi industry will make a lot less income do to more cars on the road. Which hurts them and then the community. Why work for Uber? Might make more money. Economics 101 - to be Uber driver you need a car with commercial insurance. Then add in the maintenance cost of your vehicle. 25% of the money that Uber takes leaves the region. Which result in job losses in the community.
8: Forward-thinking communities have embraced Uber - Really? Most of the cities didn't have a say with Uber! Uber doesn't work with the community! They break laws everywhere! Just check the news!
I'm going to quote from his blog "Considering all the benefits listed above, I asked someone in San Francisco, “Why would anyone still use conventional taxis?” Her reply, “I guess the people who still use conventional taxis are old-school and resistant to change”. I couldn’t agree more.
There's the link to the blog http://stryvemarketing.com/uber-in-kitchener-waterloo/
1: Uber is easy to use and more efficient - really? The app is no big deal. Guess what? We have one and a new updated app is coming. With all the same features as Uber's. Oh! Can you get service 24/7? I don't think so! My favorite is "NO CARS AVAILABLE", Guarantee there will be a taxi working.
2: Uber is just as safe, if not safer than conventional cab - How does he know this? Uber's criminal checks hasn't pan out. Just check online! Car safety? Where's the vehicle safety certificate? Uber has been caught in the UK, not doing a proper vehicle safety inspection. Here in the Region of Waterloo each and every taxi is require to goto MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) certified garage and get a safety. The insurance that Uber carries is to cover Uber from liability. If the Car owner doesn't have commercial insurance than his insurance won't cover him or the passenger. Call a insurance company. Oh, do they have in-car video cameras. To protect customers and driver? We do!!
3: Uber is faster - I don't think so. I know more about these city than any gps system. Especially now with all the construction that going on in this region. Gps system don't usually take the shortest routes. Oh! We do have a gps maps on our in-car terminals also. Plus google maps has hard time keep up with all the new streets in the region.
4: Uber is more convenient - At a friend's house and you don't know the address? What you don't know the restaurant's name? Our database would have address on record. I hope your phone doesn't die while your waiting for that car!
5: Uber is cheaper - Not really! Proven in the region! Now if Uber carpooling was available than I can't argue, but it's not!
6: Uber is cleaner - Now this is real bullshit !!! I go out my way to keep my car immaculate! I don't want sit in filthy car also. In our company we do spot inspections on cars and anyone in the company or customer can report on any car that are not in good order. Those that are reported are automatically taken off the system until they're clean.
7: Uber will not put taxi drivers out of work - Tell that to the 8 drivers that lost their jobs. But, in reality driver's in the taxi industry will make a lot less income do to more cars on the road. Which hurts them and then the community. Why work for Uber? Might make more money. Economics 101 - to be Uber driver you need a car with commercial insurance. Then add in the maintenance cost of your vehicle. 25% of the money that Uber takes leaves the region. Which result in job losses in the community.
8: Forward-thinking communities have embraced Uber - Really? Most of the cities didn't have a say with Uber! Uber doesn't work with the community! They break laws everywhere! Just check the news!
I'm going to quote from his blog "Considering all the benefits listed above, I asked someone in San Francisco, “Why would anyone still use conventional taxis?” Her reply, “I guess the people who still use conventional taxis are old-school and resistant to change”. I couldn’t agree more.
Kitchener-Waterloo, we have to ask ourselves the question:
do we want to be considered an old school community and resistance to change or
do we want to be a community open to innovation and integrating better and
smarter solutions?"
Then you are a very
small minded person! Old-school? Resistant to change?
Uber is just a rebranded taxi broker!
The taxi industry has been around for
decades. We are constantly looking at
new technology to improve service. We even have backup system if the internet goes down. Look what happen in New York. When Uber system went down. But,
you're so smart that you forget there's a lot people that don't want or can't
afford a smartphone. Same thing with credit cards. What about all those hacks into walmart and
the endless amount of other vendors for credit card information. How
secure is Uber? They don't do a lot
stuff above board. And that last question that you ask. If you had to ask that question about
Kitchener-Waterloo then you really don't know the history of the Region of
Waterloo. But, then again the region will not
be steamrolled by 50 Billion dollar company.
Next time when you really want a safe, reliable, clean and legal
ride. Call a taxi or uses our app. Oh
and you can book a taxi on-line also.
That's right more options and better.
Uber = no options
Sunday, 9 August 2015
Uber vs. The Law
In Ottawa, Canada taxi drivers posing as passengers. Collected evidence of illegal Uber car. The Mayor calls these men as thugs!!! Really, what has the mayor of Ottawa done to protect the legal industry. Nothing! If the mayor actually did something with by-law to stop what's going on. This would not happen. He says it doesn't help their cause. He sure hasn't. Through out Canada, Uber has open up shop without any regulation or licenses to operate. Who's the thug? Taxi drivers taking a video. Which the ride was paid for. Or Uber operating illegally. Cheaper fares? Surge pricing? Insurance? Car safety? Criminal checks? HST collection? How are these politicians allowing this to happen? Pressures from customers? Taxi industry? Or small group of small minded people.
Uber vs The law? Uber has won by default, because of lazy politicians that don't want to enforce the law on a 50 Billion dollar company! I like to see how they would react if the taxi industry came after them with a lawsuit. Look what happens when governments act slowly to these situation in the rest of world. Conflicts everywhere. Some very violent.
To The Judge in Toronto that said Uber is not a taxi broker should really need to learn how a broker works. Old day you used a phone dial the number and talk to someone. Modern day we use the web or apps. And yes taxi industry use apps also. One is more personal than the other. So, Uber is acting as Broker. Collecting fees from customers.
Get to work politicians! Or more like this will happen! http://metronews.ca/news/ottawa/1449728/ottawa-cab-drivers-release-second-anti-uber-video/
Stop Uber illegally working without a license! Fair play with fair wages!
Here's a interesting video on Uber also! Riding Dirty: How Uber Takes Drivers and Passengers for a Ride | Nailed It!
Uber vs The law? Uber has won by default, because of lazy politicians that don't want to enforce the law on a 50 Billion dollar company! I like to see how they would react if the taxi industry came after them with a lawsuit. Look what happens when governments act slowly to these situation in the rest of world. Conflicts everywhere. Some very violent.
To The Judge in Toronto that said Uber is not a taxi broker should really need to learn how a broker works. Old day you used a phone dial the number and talk to someone. Modern day we use the web or apps. And yes taxi industry use apps also. One is more personal than the other. So, Uber is acting as Broker. Collecting fees from customers.
Get to work politicians! Or more like this will happen! http://metronews.ca/news/ottawa/1449728/ottawa-cab-drivers-release-second-anti-uber-video/
Stop Uber illegally working without a license! Fair play with fair wages!
Here's a interesting video on Uber also! Riding Dirty: How Uber Takes Drivers and Passengers for a Ride | Nailed It!
Friday, 7 August 2015
Uber! Are they a criminal organization ?
I hope that everyone realize that I'm a taxi owner. But, I like to speak the truth. No matter what the consequences are.
Uber, are they a criminal organization? Let's see the history so far. No Licenses to work in the taxi industry in most parts of the world. Surge pricing when there's a strikes or anything that could jack up the price. To extort consumers when they are at their most vulnerable. Telling drivers that they are covered by their insurance. Passengers' safety is in question when so many of Uber's drivers are not check properly for criminal records. Tax evasion? Does anyone know for sure what they say is the truth?
Oh!! My favorite is that they say they will create jobs. The numbers they spout out is crazy. For example, Waterloo region has about 569,000 people. Out of that number is roughly 69,000 people live in rural areas. There is about 336 taxis and 20 disability vans. Uber what's to put out 2400 Uber drivers. Who in hell is going to make any money! Really !! 2400 cars on the road!! That is almost 8 times more cars on the road. I have a hard enough time making money these days. Now, I have to fight against them. How are the rest of my fellow cab owners going to make enough money to keep our employees in the office or a living wage. You think there's a money pot for us to dip in. Like Uber, investor dropping boat load of money. I don't think so. Is Uber a criminal organization?
Please help our community to stay safe. Let's keep jobs here. Keep our money in the community not in the pockets of Uber!
Here's a link to the Waterloo Region Taxi Alliance www.wrtaxi.ca Check it out!
Here's another link from CBC Ottawa http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/ottawa/uber-blitz-in-ottawa-after-taxi-drivers-release-vigilante-style-video-1.3183279 check it out!
Uber cars working and defying the law.
Uber, are they a criminal organization? Let's see the history so far. No Licenses to work in the taxi industry in most parts of the world. Surge pricing when there's a strikes or anything that could jack up the price. To extort consumers when they are at their most vulnerable. Telling drivers that they are covered by their insurance. Passengers' safety is in question when so many of Uber's drivers are not check properly for criminal records. Tax evasion? Does anyone know for sure what they say is the truth?
Oh!! My favorite is that they say they will create jobs. The numbers they spout out is crazy. For example, Waterloo region has about 569,000 people. Out of that number is roughly 69,000 people live in rural areas. There is about 336 taxis and 20 disability vans. Uber what's to put out 2400 Uber drivers. Who in hell is going to make any money! Really !! 2400 cars on the road!! That is almost 8 times more cars on the road. I have a hard enough time making money these days. Now, I have to fight against them. How are the rest of my fellow cab owners going to make enough money to keep our employees in the office or a living wage. You think there's a money pot for us to dip in. Like Uber, investor dropping boat load of money. I don't think so. Is Uber a criminal organization?
Please help our community to stay safe. Let's keep jobs here. Keep our money in the community not in the pockets of Uber!
Here's a link to the Waterloo Region Taxi Alliance www.wrtaxi.ca Check it out!
Here's another link from CBC Ottawa http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/ottawa/uber-blitz-in-ottawa-after-taxi-drivers-release-vigilante-style-video-1.3183279 check it out!
Uber cars working and defying the law.
Thursday, 6 August 2015
Uber - tax avoidance - I wish
Ok, more information on Uber! Watch out Canada ! Money could be leaving Canada in a big way!
May be even jobs could be lost also. Let's trust Uber in their fine business practices. Please read! www.businessinsider.com
May be even jobs could be lost also. Let's trust Uber in their fine business practices. Please read! www.businessinsider.com
Uber is up to no good again !!!!
Another insurance article !!! How does this company keep in business by telling people that they're insured. Drivers and passengers don't take my word on this. Call a insurance company! Don't put your faith in a company that disregards the law. Before something really bad happens. Please read this article. www.insurancebusiness.ca
The Insurance Bureau of Canada stepping into Uber debate also Insurance Bureau of Canada
The Insurance Bureau of Canada stepping into Uber debate also Insurance Bureau of Canada
Tuesday, 4 August 2015
Uber ! What happen to their criminal checks?
I came across this article tonight! I hope all those people that think Uber is out for the customers should read this newspaper article. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-uber-criminal-records-20150804-story.html
Friday, 31 July 2015
Uber vs. Taxi Comparison
This is taken from CTV Kitchener http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/video?binId=1.1147261
and also from 570news radio http://www.570news.com/2015/07/24/uber-vs-taxi-570-news-does-the-comparison/
I only have to say that the tip part I don't understand. It's a service industry, taxis, she didn't need to give a tip. But, most likely appreciated by the driver for sure. I thought they said it's 25% cheaper than a taxi ride. Chalk up another lie to Uber!
and also from 570news radio http://www.570news.com/2015/07/24/uber-vs-taxi-570-news-does-the-comparison/
I only have to say that the tip part I don't understand. It's a service industry, taxis, she didn't need to give a tip. But, most likely appreciated by the driver for sure. I thought they said it's 25% cheaper than a taxi ride. Chalk up another lie to Uber!
Thursday, 30 July 2015
Uber's Insurance policy - not for driver's
Here's few news articles for people to read about Uber's Hush Hush insurance policy.
http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2015/07/30/uber-canadas-hush-hush-policy-is-standard-stuff-say-insurers.html
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/07/30/insurance-industry-issues-warning-over-uber
http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2015/07/30/uber-canadas-hush-hush-policy-is-standard-stuff-say-insurers.html
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/07/30/insurance-industry-issues-warning-over-uber
Wednesday, 29 July 2015
For Uber driver's and passengers
Important !!!
Very important article that all Uber drivers and passengers should read. http://taxinews.com/Resources/Taxi_News_July_2015_web.pdf on page 4
The Beast
Someone forward this article. It's a good read! http://taxinews.com/thebeastthatthet.html
Check it out!
Check it out!
What is the diffence - Taxi vs. Uber
An Ontario judge ruled that Uber is not a taxi broker. I have to say he's a complete idiot. It's like saying that taxi broker are just radio dispatch companies. We both have internet services. Computer servers and staff. The real difference you can talk to a real person with a taxi company. Oh, Uber has a app!!! Really !! We in the industry didn't think of that. Please. If we had the money like Uber, don't you think we wouldn't have a better app. And it would be better than Uber's model. With them you must have a card. Really, what about the people don't have a card or don't want one. The elderly who don't like smartphones.
Waterloo Taxi has been in the business close to 70 years. We run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No exception. If we had the power to change your rates whenever we see fit. Like friday nights when everyone goes out around 10pm. Or holidays when owners or drivers should get a better rate than the standard rate. That judge is a narrow minded in thinking that Uber is just app company. They get 25% of every transaction. That's makes them a broker. Calling on a landline, cell phone, using a computer or even a app. That's how most taxi service work today. Uber is limited to a app.
Uber - app unlicensed taxi broker using unlicensed taxis, unverified safety check on vehicles and criminal checks on drivers.
Taxi - licensed taxi broker - licensed taxis, government verified safety checks on vehicles with surprise inspections by regional by-law officers. Verified criminal checks and driver's abstracts record, every year.
Waterloo Taxi has been in the business close to 70 years. We run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No exception. If we had the power to change your rates whenever we see fit. Like friday nights when everyone goes out around 10pm. Or holidays when owners or drivers should get a better rate than the standard rate. That judge is a narrow minded in thinking that Uber is just app company. They get 25% of every transaction. That's makes them a broker. Calling on a landline, cell phone, using a computer or even a app. That's how most taxi service work today. Uber is limited to a app.
Uber - app unlicensed taxi broker using unlicensed taxis, unverified safety check on vehicles and criminal checks on drivers.
Taxi - licensed taxi broker - licensed taxis, government verified safety checks on vehicles with surprise inspections by regional by-law officers. Verified criminal checks and driver's abstracts record, every year.
Sunday, 26 July 2015
Correcting misconception of Taxi licenses in the Waterloo Region
In The Record newspaper on January 31, 2015. I quote "Right now a cabbie could sell his ownership license for about $300,000. They're valued because so few are available." Is not true. The real value is not license per se but the years that these companies are in business. Reputation of that company. Example: a mom and pop coffee shop vs. Tim Horton's which one would you buy. New Hamburg Taxi don't even come close to $300,000. Why? Simple, no real value in that company. No radio dispatch or regular hours and they are a regional taxi company. The cost of running a taxi company is huge. That's why the region choose the best taxi system. A brokerage in which every taxi owner is part owner of that brokerage. There is not just one person that owes the taxi company or brokerage. The companies or brokerage are not there to make a profit for shareholders like Uber. Every owner pays fees or rent to cover the costs of running the business. Like paying staff wages, property taxes, equipment and license fees of radio, cellular data and a lot more. Also they provide jobs and opportunities for people to make a living. And the taxi is the only way a taxi owner can make a income.
So, a new license is given to a company you think any person should have the right to come in to establish business without paying something or know the industry. I wish that was true. I would walk into a Tim Horton's and say I'm a part owner. Plus, we take great pride in choosing someone in becoming a owner in our company. Not someone off the street. Someone who hasn't put their time in a taxi. So, that they can become responsible owner. Where we can improve our service for the public.
Uber started in 2009. It has grown to become one of the largest transportation provider service companies in the world. But, how they did it has put the world on it's ear. Yes, they have a fancy app, and soon we'll have one also. It works great in a lot of under service areas. What they are is providing a taxi service without regulations or government oversight. Where taxis for decades have been regulated for fairness and safety. Uber moved into the Waterloo Region without any care of what effects it would do to the industry or their customers in Waterloo Region.
The taxi industry is still recovering from lost of customers do the region's decision on giving all universities students subsides bus passes (which were made mandatory by the universities). There was no discussion with the industry. To see if there was going to be any consequences to it, and there was.
I quote from the same article "Taking a taxi isn't cheap. The cost of five-kilometre cab ride here was fourth-highest out of 19 Ontario municipalities at $14.00, according to regional report in 2011." Too bad she couldn't do some real research on taxi industry in the province or even in the region. We would have been if the proposal went to the taxi association way. And if all other municipalities didn't get a increase also. But, the taxi association didn't get what they wanted. Oh, that would have been the first increase in 4 years and the HST start in July of 2010, which the 8 percent of the GST was absorbed by the industry in the region. There should have been increase in 2010 but the region decided that we would get a break from the Ontario government. RIGHT!
So the next time you really want to know how the taxi industry really works in the Region of Waterloo. Ask your taxi driver or a regional by-law officer.
This blog is response to miss information of the Taxi industry in the Region of Waterloo.
Thank you all for reading this blog.
So, a new license is given to a company you think any person should have the right to come in to establish business without paying something or know the industry. I wish that was true. I would walk into a Tim Horton's and say I'm a part owner. Plus, we take great pride in choosing someone in becoming a owner in our company. Not someone off the street. Someone who hasn't put their time in a taxi. So, that they can become responsible owner. Where we can improve our service for the public.
Uber started in 2009. It has grown to become one of the largest transportation provider service companies in the world. But, how they did it has put the world on it's ear. Yes, they have a fancy app, and soon we'll have one also. It works great in a lot of under service areas. What they are is providing a taxi service without regulations or government oversight. Where taxis for decades have been regulated for fairness and safety. Uber moved into the Waterloo Region without any care of what effects it would do to the industry or their customers in Waterloo Region.
The taxi industry is still recovering from lost of customers do the region's decision on giving all universities students subsides bus passes (which were made mandatory by the universities). There was no discussion with the industry. To see if there was going to be any consequences to it, and there was.
I quote from the same article "Taking a taxi isn't cheap. The cost of five-kilometre cab ride here was fourth-highest out of 19 Ontario municipalities at $14.00, according to regional report in 2011." Too bad she couldn't do some real research on taxi industry in the province or even in the region. We would have been if the proposal went to the taxi association way. And if all other municipalities didn't get a increase also. But, the taxi association didn't get what they wanted. Oh, that would have been the first increase in 4 years and the HST start in July of 2010, which the 8 percent of the GST was absorbed by the industry in the region. There should have been increase in 2010 but the region decided that we would get a break from the Ontario government. RIGHT!
So the next time you really want to know how the taxi industry really works in the Region of Waterloo. Ask your taxi driver or a regional by-law officer.
This blog is response to miss information of the Taxi industry in the Region of Waterloo.
Thank you all for reading this blog.
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