It is “déjà vu” all over again.
Blocked streets, smashed or overturned cars, burning tires, scuffles.
The French are at it again. Doing what they do best. Protest.
When I say French, this time I mean Parisian cab drivers even though all French are born with a “protest “gene.
They are angry at the “Uberification” of their profession.
Unfair competition they say.
Maybe, but first who/what is Uber and why is it such a bugaboo?
Uber is an American international company headquartered in San Francisco, California.
It created and exploits the Uber mobile app, which allows consumers with smartphones to request a car ride from private individuals.
How do you use that thing?
First, you must download the (free) Uber application to your smartphone.
Then you authorize Uber to access your location.
Next you enter your email address and a mobile phone number.
You create a Password.
You enter your First name and Last name.
And finally, you enter a credit card number.
Et voila! You are now part of a growing club whose members can summon a ride at the click of a button.
When you first access Uber on your smartphone, you must select a pickup location, then a destination.
- You then select the car best suited for your ride (sedan or van)
- You tap “Set Pickup Location” to request your ride.
- You tap Fare Estimate to see the range of fares for your trip.
- At the end of a ride, the complete fare is automatically billed to the customer’s credit card.
As you can see, it is very efficient and customers overwhelmingly like it. But cab drivers don’t. Naturellement!
So what’s the big fuss all about anyway?
The cab drivers’ union argues that amateur drivers don’t have to pay a licensing fee ($270,000 in France) to operate their vehicle and that gives them an unfair competitive advantage.
Again maybe.
But the Uber technology is much more efficient (and often cheaper) than the antiquated taxicabs’ monopoly.
And it is not up to the taxi drivers to decide what’s best for the customers. It is the other way around.
In spite of the present ruckus, the transition to Uber technology is inevitable; it is effective and people want it.
And tellingly big smart venture capital (Google) is backing it.
Today’s cab drivers are like stagecoach drivers. A thing of the past.
So cabbies, you must adapt or perish.
If you cannot beat them, it would be wise to join them… and many cab drivers have already done so.
Of course there are still a few kinks in the system but I would bet my bottom dollar that Uber will prevail.
So what do you prefer? Chasing a taxicab or being wooed by it.
A no-brainer!
Alain
“The best path towards reform would be for cities to abolish the need for medallions, by allowing anyone within reason who wishes to drive—whether for cab or rideshare companies—to do so.” Forbes magazine
