Its pretty big news here in Oz

I wonder how long before companies like these start to see significant pushback due to their attitude towards their customers

Uber started upfront pricing a few months ago under the guise of saving passengers money.
What actually occurs is passengers get charged as much as 100% more than what the driver got paid.
For upfront pricing, their algorythms use a longer route than what most drivers will take.

Lyft just this week rolled out upfront pricing.

Have never used Uber or Lyft. What's wrong with calling a cab? Consumer Reports did a study that a cab is generally less and more available during surge times.

---

--------------------------
The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Nothing "wrong," but the whole experience is smoother than a cab. Hailing, directions, and payment are all seamless and quick.

It could be that cabs have created apps to bring themselves into the digital world, though. I just haven't taken one in a few years.

Typically, Uber or Lyft is half of the cost of a taxi.

Unless you are downtown with a lot of cabs, you will be waiting 45+ minutes for a cab to show up, if they show up at all.

That has never been the case for me. Like the other poster, maybe cabs have apps but I called a cab about a year ago. They told me 20’ wait, it was 30 and I definitely paid more than I would have with an Uber. I’ve never waited that long for an Uber.

Just last week it was pouring rain when I parked downtown at a lot. I had a 6 block walk. I pulled up Uber and there were 3 cars in the area. Cost me less than $5. I bet the cab was $3.5 just to pick up.

The last time I rode in a cab, the card reader was broken but the guy didn't mention that until we were at my destination. I had no cash. The guy flipped out and told me to just get out of his car.

That can't happen with Uber or Lyft.

---

War is god

This.

In the past I've had a ton of late night arrivals and early AM departures and would always use Uber after too many "my card reader is not working" conversations (this would also happen after I got smart and started asking upon pickup). Worth saving the headache IMO.

Just last night re-downloaded my Uber ap in front of a hotel to get a lift to a concert and was OK paying what I thought was likely $2 more just to have peace of mind getting there without the whole CC reader not working potential shit show....

Okay, so the card reader is broken thing just doesn't happen to me.

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Card reader wasn't working? Was the meter not working either? Hmmm

I think the whole cab system is even a bigger scam than Uber ever will be. They create artificial scarcity through licensing. I don't think any of the money generated through licensing goes to improving the cab system. It goes to line the pockets of politicians. I wouldn't be surprised if the mob was involved in some cities.