Uber, another company sucking money out of the UK.

[Another Berkshire Seagull]

Its a disgrace that black cabs exist.

They put out of business the old coach horses which employed thousands of British workers so the money went to both the driver the coach maker the farmer that looked after the horses and their stable hands a whole business put out of business by the technology of the automobile.

or we could just realise that technology changes the world and that brings opportunities for new entrepreneurs and business models that maybe didn't previously exist.

 

[Megazone]

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-33649983

 

[The Spanish]

If ever I need reminding that people in brighton and Sussex are not generally natural labour voters, and those that do claim to be, have very loosely held convictions tha don't stand up to the flimsiest of stress tests when it affects their pocket directly, then a thread like this tends to pop up.

 

[The Spanish]

Would love to see Tuk-Tuks return to Brighton. Why were they taken off the streets?

More to the point, why were they put on in the first place.

 

[Westdene Seagull]

More to the point, why were they put on in the first place.

Because they were a fun and inexpensive way to get around the centre of Brighton. The misery guts that were the local taxi firms, B&HCC and the Traffic Commissioner couldn't have people enjoying their journeys so banned them.

 

[Uter]

For those interested in some background reading on the challenges facing black cabs I'd recommend reading this:

http://www.londonreconnections.com/2015/fare-trade-breaking-down-londons-taxi-debate/

As one astute commenter put it: "A fascinating account not just on the transport issues but on the very way technology forces society to make difficult decisions. It also poses fundamental questions such as whether we need Black Cabs at all."

 

[Ernest]

Because they were a fun and inexpensive way to get around the centre of Brighton. The misery guts that were the local taxi firms, B&HCC and the Traffic Commissioner couldn't have people enjoying their journeys so banned them.

Or that they were an accident waiting to happen so banned them

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Because they were a fun and inexpensive way to get around the centre of Brighton. The misery guts that were the local taxi firms, B&HCC and the Traffic Commissioner couldn't have people enjoying their journeys so banned them.

Agree.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

It will be a shame if the black cab industry dies as black cab drivers are a useful alternative to NSC when you need unsolicited and ill-informed opinion.

 

[Bry Nylon]

It will be a shame if the black cab industry dies as black cab drivers are a useful alternative to NSC when you need unsolicited and ill-informed opinion.

"You'll never guess who I had in the back of my thread the other week..."

 

[symyjym]

Anti-Uber protests have taken place this year in many cities, and Delhi, Spain and South Korea are among the many cities and countries that have already banned the Uber app.

http://www.itfglobal.org/en/news-ev...ivers-protest-against-uber-passenger-service/

 

[Bozza]

Uber users might find this useful to help avoid surge pricing: http://cutthesurge.com

 

[Bozza]

Uber are liars: http://www.shortlist.com/tech/ubers-real-time-map-is-lying-to-you

 

[beorhthelm]

Uber are liars: http://www.shortlist.com/tech/ubers-real-time-map-is-lying-to-you

Uber is telling a white lie: "According to its patents...

so they are speculating based on a patent that may or may not be in use.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Handy for immigrants

http://www.shortlist.com/instant-improver/you-can-hire-a-boat-with-uber-in-istanbul

 

[The Spanish]

Handy for immigrants

http://www.shortlist.com/instant-improver/you-can-hire-a-boat-with-uber-in-istanbul

that sounds suitably cavalier.

http://www.seanews.com.tr/news/151588/Cargo-ship-entered-into-house-in-the-Strait-of-Istanbul.html

 

[symyjym]

It is clearly a handy App but it should be licensed out to Taxi firms rather than competing against them.

 

[beorhthelm]

It is clearly a handy App but it should be licensed out to Taxi firms rather than competing against them.

you mean like Hailo. i not sure there's anything to stop a black cab signing up, except undercutting their normal prices?

 

[pastafarian]

Uber facing legal action from GMB about workers rights,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-33689765

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/...action-in-UK-over-drivers-working-rights.html

 

[symyjym]

you mean like Hailo. i not sure there's anything to stop a black cab signing up, except undercutting their normal prices?

Yep, something like Hailo though I haven't heard of it until now. I haven't had the need to use Uber but I am cynical of anything with a Google connection and the way they try to track and second guess us.

I remember the days when Google scare mongered and accused Microsoft of potential world domination. I am sure there is some irony in this.