Paris has been the sight of disorder as thousands of taxi drivers blockaded the roads to airports and train stations today. These protests are the result of a nationwide protest against Uber, the private transportation service. "French taxi unions have long held grievances against Uber...they argue that enlisting amateur chauffeurs who don't have to pay steep licensing fees gives [Uber] an unfair competitive advantage" (Toor, "French Taxi").
The recent protests have prompted France's interior minister to implement a ban on UberPop in Paris, in hopes of quelling the swiftly-growing protests.
Many aspects of these protests have simply gotten out of hand. When a man in Lyon stated that he would use Uber after a taxi driver refused to take him (because he was on strike), the taxi driver assaulted the man. Just to reiterate: the man took Uber because the taxi driver refused to take him. It is one thing to call for reform, and another to bring violence and harm to the people because a competitor is successful.
Source:
http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/25/8844649/french-taxi-driver-protest-uber-pop-paris
Wow! I didn't realize there was so much animosity between the two entities. I wonder if this will happen or if it's already happened in the US.
ReplyDeleteIam not too familiar with Uber's policies but I have heard of some very interesting interactions between Uber drivers and clients. There are challenges as with any new start up companies. Time will definitely tell.
ReplyDeleteI actually am surprised how popular Uber is. I find it slightly dangerous because it's not as organized as normal taxi services; anybody can become an uber driver. I don't feel like Uber will last.
ReplyDeleteI actually am surprised how popular Uber is. I find it slightly dangerous because it's not as organized as normal taxi services; anybody can become an uber driver. I don't feel like Uber will last.
ReplyDeleteI have used both services (taxi and Uber). Here in the US, I've simply found it much easier to get an Uber ride within minutes — literally. Unless you're in the major markets of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles...you can't just stand on a corner in Dallas and wave for a taxi and expect one to be there. But in Paris, I would much rather prefer a taxi over just anyone with a car. The taxi cars in Paris are almost all Mercedes, very clean, and very comfortable!
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