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If you’ve been following the news, you might have seen that there was a unified protest by black cab drivers against the new mobile phone app for Uber cabs. The protest brought central London traffic to a standstill as around 10,000 cabbies parked up in Trafalgar Square like they just didn’t give a fuck. The protest follows similar movements in Paris, Madrid, Rome, Milan and Berlin.
The official reason that the cabbies were protesting was that they weren’t happy with the fact that Uber calculates fares in their app by using the same technology that is available in a regular black cab taxi meter, and that legally in the United Kingdom only licenced black cabs are allowed to have access to this technology. They also aren’t happy that there isn’t really any guarantee that Uber cab drivers have undergone the same amount of training – an incredible four to seven years – that black cab drivers have taken before they become licenced. What the hell are black cab drivers doing for so long that they need to train for four years before they become licenced?
In any case, Uber replied saying that their app was awarded a licence legally, and that all their drivers meet local regulations and are vetted with background checks and insurance checks before they are hired. This all sounds legit, and to be fair the black cabs are probably only screwing about Uber because it’s way better than the service that they’re offering in almost every respect, and they’re scared that it’s going to run them all out of business.
Indeed, as a result of the protest Uber are reporting that it received 850% more app downloads this week than last already, so it doesn’t look like the protest is going to help at all, unless the government actually takes action against Uber, which seems unlikely given the money that is currently being invested in the service.
Although it’s sad that people may be run out of business, it’s just a fact that people change with the times and Uber offer a better service, and it’s no different from retail stores moving their stock online or ticket offices on the tube being shut down because both are pretty much unnecessary in this day and age. If it’s easier for people to consume a product this way, then they’re going to do it. Adapt or die pretty much and the fact is that Uber is running a better service right now.
Here are a few of the reasons why:
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Uber Is Cheaper
Obviously this is a massive factor in deciding which service you’re going to use, and it’s estimated that Uber cars are roughly 30% cheaper than any other company offering a similar service, be they black cabs or a private firm. If you save 30% on your rides a year then that’s a hell of a lot of money, even if you don’t use cabs very often.
I’ve caught Uber cars before and can verify that this is true, but if you don’t believe me then the Independent (who are obviously independent over the matter) published an article yesterday comparing two identical journeys - the Uber car cost £10, whereas the black cab cost £16.
Uber Is Quicker And You Know Exactly What Is Happening At All Times
As you book the Uber car through an app on your phone, you know exactly how long your car is going to take to arrive to pick you up and can even follow it in real time via the Sat Nav on your phone. They also text you a picture of your driver and the registration of your car and the make so identifying it couldn’t be easier, and the spectre of these unlicensed cab drivers is pretty much just a myth. The fare is also calculated at the time of ordering so you know exactly how much it is going to cost.
This is way quicker than walking down the street in the rain trying to hail a black cab, only for the twat driving it to not like the look of you so not pick you up, or to over quote for a journey because he knows he can because you’re desperate to get home. Not saying all black cab drivers are like that, but I guarantee everyone reading this has a story about one of them being a wanker to them, because let’s face it, a lot of them are wide boys looking to make a quick buck.
Again, that Independent article verifies that the journey was quicker, taking 24 minutes in an Uber as opposed to over 30 in a black cab.
Uber Is Easier To Use Than A Black Cab
As well as the ease of using a black cab, Uber is all cashless so it’s way easier than using a black cab. You simply tap your account details into the app and the money is debited straight from your account following the completion of your journey. It’s also very easy to split a fare with a friend in the cab too if they have the app, and that sure beats messing around with change and getting shortchanged by the tightass in the group every time too.
Of course, it might be kind of annoying to set up your account the first time but it’s way less annoying then stopping at a cash point on the way home and racking up that fare, or eve not getting a cab ride home because the cabbie doesn’t believe you have any money in your account.
There’s also the fact that you could get completely rinsed for money from your account if you get completely twatted and don’t know what you’re doing or pass out or something, but that’s just as likely to happen in a black cab as well so there isn’t really that much to choose between them. In any case it’s your fault for getting blackout drunk in the first place.
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Uber Round To The Nearest Pound And Always Round Down
Again, this may seem like an obvious choice but it’s also a really neat touch. You’re pretty much always forced to round up in a black cab because you feel obligated to give them a tip, even if they did a shitty job and this won’t be a problem with Uber. I think everyone will agree that it’s nicer to have a round amour taken out of your account when (if) you ever check your statement too. It’s just a neat, clean new innovation that really reflects what Uber cars are all about.
Uber Cars Are Nicer Than Black Cabs
Black Cabs aren’t bad but there’s just something grotty and airy about them and they’re not exactly the most luxurious way to get from A to B. Uber cars are all completely sick, spacious and even luxurious so you know that your journey is going to be a comfortable one.
Couple this with the fact that it’s quicker, easier and cheaper to order an Uber cab, then it really does feel like they’re the future. If you’re not on board yet then we recommend doing so immediately.