uber

[rvwnsd]

Uber is on paper a great idea for the consumer, but the company's embrace of the Wild West "do what we want" philosophy is backfiring. They should lose the fight over whether their drivers are independent contractors or employees; that alone may invalidate their business model.

 

I'd argue they should have adopted a business model whereby they developed an app and signed up taxi companies and/or taxi drivers who own their medallions. They could have charged a small commission and still turned a profit. Instead, they adopted a half-assed model that is simply not working.

[caliguy]

I'd argue they should have adopted a business model whereby they developed an app and signed up taxi companies and/or taxi drivers who own their medallions. They could have charged a small commission and still turned a profit. Instead, they adopted a half-assed model that is simply not working.

The goal is to grow the company as fast as possible and destroy any competition like Lyft. Their end game is to get an IPO. That way Travis and his underlings will make Billions. At this point they don't give a flying fuck how half assed they are to get there. They let their greed take priority and now it's catching up to them.

[Zman]

LYFT is now legal for pickups at LAX airport So is it worth it? Here's an article describing one person's experience.

Edited January 27, 2016 by Zman

[+ dutchmuch]

Once you alight from that Private Jet and might be a wee bit too tipsy, here's what your Uber driver is supposed give you:

 

 

 

http://cnet4.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2016/01/26/28388953-9e6b-4e83-89b9-1b30706f8ff1/resize/970x546/b1a4d7cc528c4dc9401fb61281649d1a/ec0a3ac950569047f56c87c9b104e27d.jpg

 

Bop the toy, not the Uber driver.

 

Hasbro

 

 

 

 

Uber is using the classic tactic of misdirection to keep drunken passengers from abusing drivers.

 

The ride-hailing service is providing the tipsy in the North Carolina city of Charlotte with the children's toy Bop It to keep them occupied so that their sober drivers don't have to put up with any high jinks, nonsense or abuse.

 

"Folks there have found it's a great way to keep drunk riders entertained so they don't distract their driver," Joe Sullivan, Uber's chief security officer, said in a blog post.

http://www.cnet.com/news/ubers-trick-for-taming-drunks-a-childrens-toy/

[+ dutchmuch]

https://www.uber.com/safety

 

they have more insurance than most cab companies do.

 

uber is great and deserves to be more places where cab companies monopolize. competition is a good thing

 

 

Be careful at the West Texas Ranch Jimboi:

 

Kalamazoo, Michigan (CNN)The man accused of killing six people and injuring two more in a Saturday evening shooting rampage in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was an Uber driver who picked up and dropped off passengers between shootings, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.

 

The source, who is not authorized to speak to media, said investigators believe Jason Brian Dalton was even looking for fares after the final shooting of a nearly seven-hour killing rampage.

[bigvalboy]

Be careful at the West Texas Ranch Jimboi:

 

Kalamazoo, Michigan (CNN)The man accused of killing six people and injuring two more in a Saturday evening shooting rampage in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was an Uber driver who picked up and dropped off passengers between shootings, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.

 

The source, who is not authorized to speak to media, said investigators believe Jason Brian Dalton was even looking for fares after the final shooting of a nearly seven-hour killing rampage.

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/kalamazoo-mich-shooting-victims-remembered-article-1.2539191

 

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539291.1456098656%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_307/article-kalamazoo2-0221.jpg

 

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539185.1456086148%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_307/kalamazoo.jpg

 

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539357.1456105470%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_198/kalamazoo.jpg

 

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539359.1456105517%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_198/kalamazoo.jpg

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539358.1456165899%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_198/kalamazoo.jpg

 

Would this have gotten more press if it was a school or a movie theater? Are we numb to tragedy? Does nothing shock us anymore?

Edited February 22, 2016 by bigvalboy

[+ glutes]

Uber continues to provide rape, assault, manslaughter. But mayhem by app, that is a bit shocking.

[+ WmClarke]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/kalamazoo-mich-shooting-victims-remembered-article-1.2539191

 

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539291.1456098656%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_307/article-kalamazoo2-0221.jpg

 

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539185.1456086148%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_307/kalamazoo.jpg

 

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539357.1456105470%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_198/kalamazoo.jpg

 

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539359.1456105517%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_198/kalamazoo.jpg

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2539358.1456165899%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_198/kalamazoo.jpg

 

Would this have gotten more press if it was a school or a movie theater? Are we numb to tragedy? Does nothing shock us anymore?

The media is numb to the tragedy. We are not.

[Kenny]

Would this have gotten more press if it was a school or a movie theater? Are we numb to tragedy? Does nothing shock us anymore?

It would've gotten more press, but the Dumpster was on TeeVee Sunday, making Murica grate again.

[+ dutchmuch]

"Thank you for contacting Uber"

" We were driving through medians, driving through the lawn, speeding along, and when we came to a stop, I jumped out of the car and ran away!"

" A customer service representative will respond to your concern within two (2) business days."

http://nypost.com/2016/02/22/uber-got-complaints-about-michigan-shooter/

[+ quoththeraven]

This article is more focused on the problems those with mobility issues have with transportation, but that includes ridesharing apps. Uber's policy is that its drivers are supposed to accommodate disabled riders, although at the same time it argues in court that it's not subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act.

 

http://harlot.media/articles/riding-in-cars-with-douchebags-when-ridesharing-is-inaccessible

[+ dutchmuch]

lol

 

Murder, mayhem and now fake vomit??? Uber just can't seem to stay of the news for negatives again and again... (LOL Jimboi)

Are Uber drivers using fake vomit to scam customers? Passenger says she was charged $200 for two mile ride after 'cabbie created fake vomit pictures'

• Meredith Mandel charged hundreds for a two mile trip across Brooklyn
  
• Art director found a $200 'cleaning fee' had been added by Uber driver
  
• He claimed she threw up in his car and provided photographic evidence
  
• Mandel insists pictures are faked as part of a scam by the driver
  
• Similar incidents have been reported in Manhattan, L.A. and Tampa, Florida
  
• Uber say it investigates each incident and will refund charges made in error
  

 

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3474187/Are-Uber-drivers-using-fake-vomit-scam-customers-Passenger-says-charged-200-two-mile-ride-cabbie-created-fake-vomit-pictures.html#ixzz41udWg0um

Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[+ dutchmuch]

Be careful at the West Texas Ranch Jimboi:

 

Kalamazoo, Michigan (CNN)The man accused of killing six people and injuring two more in a Saturday evening shooting rampage in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was an Uber driver who picked up and dropped off passengers between shootings, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.

 

The source, who is not authorized to speak to media, said investigators believe Jason Brian Dalton was even looking for fares after the final shooting of a nearly seven-hour killing rampage.

 

Gotta love Scab Cabs:

 

 

A Kalamazoo Uber driver accused of murdering six people and wounding two in a series of shootings last month told police that the ride-sharing app took over his "mind and body" and made him carry out the rampage.

 

In a series of interviews with police after the Feb. 20 shootings, Jason Dalton, 45, confessed to the killings, but blamed it on the Uber app, stating his smartphone directed him where to go and shoot people.

 

Dalton told police that when he opened up the Uber taxi app, a symbol, which he believed was the Eastern Star popped up. Dalton said the symbol resembled a devil's head and "that's when all the problems started."

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/03/14/kalamazoo-shooting-reports-released-what-he-told-his-wife/81762070/

[Zman]

I think Lyft stopped using Satanic symbols in their app so that may be a plus for them.

[+ dutchmuch]

The Kalamazoo Uber story has legs!

The man charged with killing six people and wounding two others in Kalamazoo last month is suing Uber.

 

Jason Dalton filed a handwritten lawsuit with the U.S. Federal District Court for the Eastern District in Detroit asking for $10 million from the ride-sharing company for ruining his life.

 

In his two-page complaint Dalton, 45, said he worked for years as a Uber contractor “and they ripped me off, never paid me back wages or overtime. I busted my butt for them. They gave me no Christmas bonus, I wasn’t invited to any corporate parties, they made me work when I was sick and they didn’t let me spend time with my children. Uber treats their drivers like crap.”

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/03/16/kalamazoo-shooting-dalton-uber-lawsuit/81878618/

 

[rvwnsd]

Its amazing when folks don't understand the difference between an employee and a contractor or expect to have the best of both worlds.

He will probably have plenty of time to contemplate those differences once he is sentenced. Then again, he might simply write a letter to the State of Michigan complaining about the quality of the linens and lack of concierge services at his hotel, a/k/a "prison."

[+ dutchmuch]

Where are our Uber fanatics on this one?

Jimboi?

SAN FRANCISCO — Uber agreed pay up to $25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by San Francisco and Los Angeles alleging the ride-hailing service engaged in unfair business practices.

 

The settlement sends a clear message to businesses, especially start-ups, that "in the quest to quickly obtain market share, laws designed to protect consumers cannot be ignored. If a business acts like it is above the law, it will pay a heavy price,” said San Francisco district attorney George Gascón.

 

As part of the settlement, San Francisco-based Uber will cease claiming that its background checks are the toughest in the industry and will no longer use phrases such as “safest ride on the road” or describe its background checks as “the gold standard," the company said in a statement.

 

The suit was brought by San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón and Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/04/07/uber-pay-up-25-million-fine/82769030/

[AdamSmith]

As part of the settlement, San Francisco-based Uber will cease claiming that its background checks are the toughest in the industry and will no longer use phrases such as “safest ride on the road” or describe its background checks as “the gold standard," the company said in a statement.

"The book you've just started reading is titled The Best Short Stories of Isaac Asimov. Now, you and I both know that in truth I ought to have called it The Pretty Good and Pretty Representative Short Stories of Isaac Asimov. But then you'd have been a lot less inclined to buy it. Right?" -- Isaac Asimov

[+ dutchmuch]

So Uber misled people, got sued, and lost.

Too bad we couldn't do the same thing with rent boys.

[mike carey]

Saw this guy on TV this evening, an Uber driver who started a blog of his experiences and now has a book offer from Harper Collins. One of his stories is about having a gay escort as a passenger. He's not hard on the eye, either.

http://diaryofanuberdriver.com/

[+ dutchmuch]

Jimboi, better watch out for those Scab Cab drivers:

 

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Two men are in jail Monday after police say one of them, a Lyft driver, slashed the other, a passenger, with a razor during a fight.

 

According to a Chandler Police Department spokesman, two men caught a ride with James Dealchaezada, the Lyft driver, and when they arrived at their destination, one of the men started arguing with the driver.

 

Court documents show Dealchaezada claimed the passenger, Michael Kirkpatrick, 30, accused Dealchaezada of stealing his wallet. The driver also claimed Kirkpatrick was kicking his car.

 

The argument escalated to the point where police say the driver got out of the car and slashed the man across the arm with a box cutter he kept in his glove box, police said.

 

The incident took place at an apartment complex on East Frye Road.

 

Police arrested Dealchaezada for aggravated assault. Kirkpatrick refused treatment for the minor injury, police said, and was cited for disorderly conduct for his part in the fight.

 

The third man is not facing any charges.

 

Lyft issued a statement Monday afternoon, saying Dealchaezada will not be working for Lyft again.

 

"We have a strict zero-tolerance policy and do not tolerate violent behavior on the Lyft platform. Since learning of this incident, we permanently removed the driver's access to Lyft," a Lyft spokesperson said.

 

Copyright 2016 KPNX

[+ dutchmuch]

*Cough* Example of the negativity of this forum *Cough*

 

Tell us how Kurtis.

[+ dutchmuch]

Well the folks in Austin TX have gone negative:

 

Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft are set to quit the Texas city of Austin after voters said fingerprinting should be part of driver background checks, reports said.

 

The companies had poured $8.6 million into a campaign to keep fingerprinting, which can be expensive and time-consuming, out of driver checks.

 

Results from the vote on Proposition One — the most expensive campaign in city history — showed 56 percent in favor of fingerprint checks, compared 44 percent against, according to the Austin American-Statesman newspaper.

 

The vote came after the City Council passed an ordinance in December that, among other rules for ride-sharing companies, required their drivers to undergo fingerprint-based background checks by February 1, 2017.

 

Uber and Lyft announced after the results of Saturday’s vote that they were set to suspend operations in Austin, the capital city of Texas, on Monday morning.

http://www.rawstory.com/2016/05/uber-and-lyft-to-leave-austin-over-fingerprinting-rule/

[down_to_business]

I was shocked that Prop 1 failed. I probably heard or saw an advertisement pro Prop 1 every 20 minutes. There was no counter advertising anti Prop 1. The pro Prop 1 message did a real good job hiding the real issue of fingerprinting. In fact, I didn't know what the issue really was until I saw a news program about a day before the election. Then I just kind of felt manipulated by the pro ads. Maybe if they would have just not tried to oversell it so much and hide the real issue... then again, maybe nothing would have mattered.

[MikeyGMin]

I believe the proposition was intentionally written by the city to confuse. And I agree that the pro-Prop 1 camp didn't do a good job with all their advertising. They simply should have stressed that it would make the service unaffordable for its intended market.

 

More than anything, I think this is a good example of people with vested interests not getting their butt out to vote. I think the total voter turnout was less than 90,000 people. Old folks vote and I'm sure a whole lot of them couldn't explain Uber if their life depended on it. When in doubt... Vote no.

 

Agree that it is not over and a compromise will likely be reached.