Ya there has definitely been some whining, here is the editorial from Journal Record yesterday:

Periscope: By taxi standards, Uber?s model is checkered | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2013/11/05/periscope-by-taxi-standards-ubers-model-is-checkered-opinion/)

The title says by taxi standards ubers model is checkered. Well, Ive never really cared for taxi standards in the first place. Spotty service, long wait times when you call for service and sometimes drivers taking the long route...uber has them beat on all that. How about the taxi and limo companies let me worry about who I decide to let drive me around.

OTS - I saw Streuli's column yesterday and came away thinking that he's complaining about the wrong thing. Uber isn't the problem - the problem is a regulatory structure that knows only how to approve services that they've seen before (conventional taxis and limousines). Uber is technically different from its predecessors in the way that they connect customer to driver & car. But there's a lot more than that. Certainly make sure that the driver and car are safe, but don't disqualify them because they have an iOS app and Thunder Cab doesn't.

Uber is to taxis and limousines what Southwest, JetBlue, Virgin and others are to American, United, Delta, Frontier, etc. As a consumer, I'd ask only that regulators not impose the equivalent of the "Wright Amendment" on Uber.

Uber, Lyft and Sidecar have all faced the same regulatory challenges here in California and pretty much everywhere they operate.

Yet, the services keep going and are very popular and successful.

I suspect it will be the same in OKC with Uber.

Uber, Lyft and Sidecar have all face the same regulatory challenges here in California and pretty much every where they operate.

Yet, the services keep going and are very popular and successful.

I suspect it will be the same in OKC with Uber.

You're more optimistic than me. OK's leadership will find a way to screw it up for those that use it.

Ya there has definitely been some whining, here is the editorial from Journal Record yesterday:

Periscope: By taxi standards, Uber?s model is checkered | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2013/11/05/periscope-by-taxi-standards-ubers-model-is-checkered-opinion/)

The title says by taxi standards ubers model is checkered. Well, Ive never really cared for taxi standards in the first place. Spotty service, long wait times when you call for service and sometimes drivers taking the long route...uber has them beat on all that. How about the taxi and limo companies let me worry about who I decide to let drive me around.

He (and others) are also operating under the misapprehension that old-school regulation is the best and really only way to insure safety and good service.

Uber uses a two-way feedback system to rate drivers and passengers, much like eBay implemented years ago. The idea is to create a community of people that provide and use the service, and eBay has demonstrated it works very, very effectively.

And like eBay, Uber does arbitrate disputes when necessary. I doubt many Uber customers go unsatisfied. Uber also provides an insurance rider, over and above the insurance drivers are required to verify.


How many smelly, old, rickety, squeaky cabs have you ridden in with some sort of crazy, smelly driver?? That has been my experience more often than not, so I'm not too impressed with the current regulatory system. I'd much rather be able to trust the people who rate Uber drivers and cars, as they are the ones actually taking the rides.

BTW, I was just approved to be a Uber driver here in Los Angeles. :)

Thought it might be a fun thing to try... You completely set your own hours and can merely switch your on-line Uber status to "available" at any time, and if you happen to be the closest driver, you have to respond for pickup within 15 seconds. You aren't required to take every request, however you'll get dinged if your don't keep you acceptance rate very high. They want the driver closest to the pick-up to go, and immediately.

You can also view an on-line map to see where other active drivers are stationed; the idea being you space a bit to get the best coverage and probability of ride requests.

I had to go through a background check, provide proof of insurance, proof of registration, photos of my car, my driver's licence and a bunch of other things.

Then, I had to take on-line training and pass a quiz.

Interestingly, they send YOU an iPhone with their software which I am now waiting for.


I'm really looking forward to trying the experience from the driver's perspective. I probably won't do much of it, but thought it would be fun to try when the mood strikes.

And of course, one of the huge advantages of Uber and the like is that it's completely cashless. AND their software is what determines the fare, which is no doubt far more accurate than some old mechanical taxi meter.

Seems like so many times I take a cab I have to have them stop at an ATM (where I usually encounter a service fee) so I have enough cash to pay them.


Sorry, but this system is a massive improvement and like so many of the new breed, it threatens entrenched businesses that have not re-invested and have become/stayed poor because of the protective regulatory climate.

If Uber wasn't so superior, the existing companies would have nothing to worry about, would they?

Question about that... since you're also very familiar with OKC, when you come here, can you make yourself available in this market to drive? Or is there another level of local validation?

Question about that... since you're also very familiar with OKC, when you come here, can you make yourself available in this market to drive? Or is there another level of local validation?

You have to be approved separately for each market.

Plus, you have to have each vehicle approved. Not sure you could do it with a rental car because you have to provide proof of registration.

Another thing about safety...

Uber requires all cars be of a model year 2000 and newer. And of course, they have to review photos of the condition of the vehicle before approving.


We all know safety in cars has improved by light years in just the last decade. Virtually any newer car has crumple zones, crash-tested bumpers, anti-lock brakes, good restraint systems, and a bunch of airbags. Not to mention, they are massively more reliable, stop and handle better.

Seems like every cab I get into is crazy old, that squeaks and creaks and handles like a waterbed. And the drivers usually seem a least a little crazed.

Sorry, I almost never feel safe in a cab. I just strap in and hang on for dear life.


Time to burn down the old system and let the new, much improved model act freely in the marketplace.

Bummer... it would be a cool surprise to get Pete while Ubering in OKC (much more likely vs LA due to numbers of drivers in each market).

I'm down on taxis in OKC because they're dirty and I frequently see equipment violations, and the drivers are rude, not well informed about OKC, and I don't trust them. Recent exchange with a Thunder Cab driver at WRWA after returning to town:

tomokc: How much to (address)?
Driver: $40 or $45.
tomokc: Airport Express charged us $28 to drive us here the other morning. Will you do it for that?
Driver: How about $30?
tomokc: How about $28 and I'll tip if you do as good a job as the Airport Express guy?
Driver: Done.

He started the meter which got to around $40 by the time we got to the house, I paid him $35 and we were done.

It's like haggling over a rug in a Middle Eastern bazaar.

Yet another advantage of Uber is that you can see your fare estimate before you ever submit a ride request.

And tip is also handled electronically.

You can also see exactly when a car is expected, get an alert when they are approaching, be sure that every driver has GPS, make use of an easy resolution system...

Uber is better in so many ways it's hard to list them all.

The only possible benefit to the traditional taxi companies is the dubious safety claim, which rings false with anyone who has ever ridden in a cab.

I used Uber to get to and from the Thunder game last night. It was great. The drivers were great. They were friendly and professional. I used Sid's promo code to get there and Janye's to get home. It was super easy and I didn't have shower off the filth like I do when taking a cab. I have told everyone about it! Thanks for sharing this gem, and to those who haven't used it try it! You wont be dissappointed! Use my promo (eotnq) to get a free $10 trip

The reason why Uber (and other similar services) face opposition in every market they enter is because they are establishment, city/state regulatory agencies along with the taxes/license fees that generates and entrenched taxi companies who wish to limit competition. Any challenges to the tax structures of government or the taxi companies business models will always be fought by those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

Airports also make a bunch of money off taxi fees.

A friend had to take a taxi between terminals at LAX last week to catch a connection, and even though it was only about 1/2 mile trip the charge was $30.

I'm sure most of that is a minimum pick-up charge that goes straight back to the airport.


It's all just a big racket with too many powerful entities benefiting while adding virtually no value.

And I'm glad these companies have come along to not only provide a better service/value paradigm, but also to shine light on an industry that should have changed a long time ago.

Yep, any challenge to the existing structure gets them using any means necessary to stop it. I see a ton of black cars operating out of DIA (since I have been out there often this week).


From the DIA Taxi page (http://www.flydenver.com/taxi):
Taxis are readily available and provide service to the Denver metro area and surrounding counties. Some companies may also provide service to other destinations within the state of Colorado. Check with your cab company of choice (or with your driver at the airport) for more information on fares and destinations served.


Flat Rate Charges
The following popular destinations have flat-rate charges (one-way fare, airport access fee already included):

Boulder: $88.15
Downtown Denver: $55.15
Denver Tech Center: $61.15
Broomfield and Louisville Area: $70.15 (Yellow Cab only)

Metered Taxi Rates
Fares to all other metro area destinations are based on the taxi’s meter. For example, a one-way taxi ride from the airport to Cherry Creek Shopping Center (near downtown Denver) typically costs $62.00 to $65.00, plus a $4.15 airport access fee for each metered taxi trip.

We took a taxi from JFK to our hotel on the Upper West Side in NYC, it was nasty. When we had the hotel get us a car to go back to JFK it was a Lexus RX400h and was around the same price as the taxi and much better experience.

Haven't quite had Sid's experience on Flywheel, but I did have a driver grumble that he didn't see much money from it. The Über drivers, on the other hand, wouldn't even let me tip (the app apparently didn't have a mechanism for this...was it an introductory thing?). The hailing and payment experience is very similar to Über. But no question, Über was way cheaper.

Faced with a long layover at ORD, we decided to have dinner at a nearby steak house a few miles from the airport. After giving that address to the taxi driver, he immediately turned around and drove us back to the airport. Why? Because he had waited in a long line for passengers, and was insistent upon a longer drive and higher fare.

Literally turned around and drove us back. I don't think we even left the airport property.

Faced with a long layover at ORD, we decided to have dinner at a nearby steak house a few miles from the airport. After giving that address to the taxi driver, he immediately turned around and drove us back to the airport. Why? Because he had waited in a long line for passengers, and was insistent upon a longer drive and higher fare.

Literally turned around and drove us back. I don't think we even left the airport property.

Entitlement...it's ingrained in some places

The controversy continues.

Uber ride-for-hire service continues to draw scrutiny in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/uber-ride-for-hire-service-continues-to-draw-scrutiny-in-oklahoma-city/article/3906044)

Another thing about safety...

Uber requires all cars be of a model year 2000 and newer. And of course, they have to review photos of the condition of the vehicle before approving.


We all know safety in cars has improved by light years in just the last decade. Virtually any newer car has crumple zones, crash-tested bumpers, anti-lock brakes, good restraint systems, and a bunch of airbags. Not to mention, they are massively more reliable, stop and handle better.

Seems like every cab I get into is crazy old, that squeaks and creaks and handles like a waterbed. And the drivers usually seem a least a little crazed.

Sorry, I almost never feel safe in a cab. I just strap in and hang on for dear life.


Time to burn down the old system and let the new, much improved model act freely in the marketplace.
They don't just review "photos" of the vehicle, they personally inspect the vehicles. I'm friends with the rep from Uber corporate that is in town that got everything up and running. I see her meeting with drivers daily, interviewing them, lining up their background checks, iPhones, training, etc. It's a pretty hands on process.

One heckuva promo running in OKC through the end of the year. I may just take the plunge and take Uber to the airport this morning - we'll see how it goes!

They don't just review "photos" of the vehicle, they personally inspect the vehicles. I'm friends with the rep from Uber corporate that is in town that got everything up and running. I see her meeting with drivers daily, interviewing them, lining up their background checks, iPhones, training, etc. It's a pretty hands on process.

I'm a registered Uber driver in Los Angeles and they do it differently here and other markets.

No one every met with me or called me but there was an extensive on-line sign-up process, with car photos, background check, verification of registration and insurance, etc.

Ruh roh - any teeth to this? I loved my first Uber experience yesterday. This would royally suck. Uber's doing quite well too, at least from what my driver said. He's routinely out until 3-4 AM on weekend nights and makes several hundred. This is obviously a service OKCers have needed for awhile and are going to use only more and more.

If Uber is "ridesharing," there could be trouble | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-uber-in-trouble/article/3913965)

Uber faces this in every single market they are in and have been continuously operating in many cities for years.

Why does the local press act like these issues are completely unique to Oklahoma??

Uber faces this in every single market they are in and have been continuously operating in many cities for years.

Why does the local press act like these issues are completely unique to Oklahoma??

Good point - correct me if I'm wrong - but it seems OKC is sometimes more resistant to innovation than progress than say someplace like San Francisco, where they literally rewrote the laws to accomodate Uber. The political lobby is far too powerful here and I fear someone would actually shut Uber down to protect their own interests - as opposed to other places where they realize hey this is what the people want, no one's getting harmed, so let 'em have it (I say let us have 6 point beer but hey!).

Believe me, there has been strong and organized opposition here in Southern California and yet they are thriving.

It frustrates me the local press is continually putting these articles out without providing a broader context. It gives everyone the impression this is a totally new idea and the issues in Oklahoma are somehow unique, and thus Uber won't work in OKC.

While the Oklahoman continues to attack Uber, Reuters describes why cabbies should love their introduction, and operators (medallion owners) should fear it: Why cab drivers should love Uber | Felix Salmon (http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2013/12/11/why-cab-drivers-should-love-uber/)

Excerpt: Essentially, every time you take a cab, your money gets split roughly evenly between the driver and the medallion owner. Which means that when a company like Uber comes along, it can offer lower fares to riders and substantially higher income to drivers — a win for everybody except the medallion owners.

The key datapoint came in October, when Uber said in a blog post that when it lowered fares for its UberX product, its drivers’ income actually went up rather than down: in Boston, it rose by 22% per hour, which is a lot of money. The result has been that UberX is now priced near or below prevailing taxi rates in most cities: in Washington DC, for instance, UberX costs 18% less than a taxi. And the drivers of those cars are making significantly more money than they would make if they were driving a cab.

We’ve already reached the point, then, at which it makes sense for almost any taxi driver who doesn’t own his own medallion to give up the rickety old yellow cab, with all of its onerous regulations, and just drive an UberX instead. I’m sure that many have already done so, and that more will follow suit over the course of 2014. And while for the time being there’s probably a big enough pool of cab drivers that new ones can be found to replace the people who have started driving for Uber instead, eventually the medallion owners are going to have to start cutting their drivers a sweeter deal, to prevent them from defecting to the competition.

Good to hear. Other cities are sadly having some success, at least against UberX. Will be in Philly this weekend (weather permitting) and I found that there's no UberX there. Would've gladly used Uber for an airport ride, but my options there are limited to Black or SUV which are rather pricey.

I know in Dallas they have been battling it out. Anyone know the statue of it there?

And in red state Oklahoma you'd think a free market thing such as Uber would be a hit here. Its all about consumer choice and less burdensome and expensive regulations. It should be right up our leaders alley

Here in L.A., they are threatening to arrest drivers and impound cars... Yet, Uber and Lyft are thriving and growing rapidly.

When it comes right down to it, it's just about posturing and weak attempts at protectionism.

I know in Dallas they have been battling it out. Anyone know the statue of it there?

And in red state Oklahoma you'd think a free market thing such as Uber would be a hit here. Its all about consumer choice and less burdensome and expensive regulations. It should be right up our leaders alley

Don't drag this topic into the politics cesspool. If there's someone fighting it, it's the "medallion" owners who must be paying someone to fight it. Ignore the "D" or "R" appellation and follow the money. When business gets involved in politics and law-making, they don't give a rats ass about the "D" or "R", but whether or not they can influence them. When the "D" or "R" start being influenced, they may as well have lost their ideological affiliation and gained a green-back affiliation.

Don't drag this topic into the politics cesspool. If there's someone fighting it, it's the "medallion" owners who must be paying someone to fight it. Ignore the "D" or "R" appellation and follow the money. When business gets involved in politics and law-making, they don't give a rats ass about the "D" or "R", but whether or not they can influence them. When the "D" or "R" start being influenced, they may as well have lost their ideological affiliation and gained a green-back affiliation.

He does have a point though - it is ironic how red states which tout small governments, lower taxes, etc, often expend an enormous amount of energy on legislating the bedroom. Interesting approach to "freedom". Obviously Uber isn't the bedroom but I see onthestrip's point - that red states still have protectionist leans to them, when it's convenient of course.

Is that because of a success of the opposition though? They aren't in every city yet. Rolling out fast but not there yet.

That I'm not sure about - saw some random internet posts about it being due to opposition but I don't know for a fact.

I know in Dallas they have been battling it out. Anyone know the statue of it there?

And in red state Oklahoma you'd think a free market thing such as Uber would be a hit here. Its all about consumer choice and less burdensome and expensive regulations. It should be right up our leaders alley

I'll underscore what Pete said, that this is about protecting the status quo and those who benefit from it. I am ashamed at the quality of OKC's taxis and drivers, and competition will make it better, if allowed. But that's a big if.

He does have a point though - it is ironic how red states which tout small governments, lower taxes, etc, often expend an enormous amount of energy on legislating the bedroom. Interesting approach to "freedom". Obviously Uber isn't the bedroom but I see onthestrip's point - that red states still have protectionist leans to them, when it's convenient of course.

:ot:

Do Uber drivers go between communities as well? Thinking of a few instances where this would be interesting to know.

There are days I won't take a bus into OKC because I would not be done before 9:20 but I would be done well before 3 and do not want to remain until then.
If one can Uber back to Norman at a reasonable price, could still bus in and not need to bring a car.

Uber from Norman to OKC for a date night, and Uber back later in the eve.
This permits me to avoid all driving issues related to having something beyond soda or tea at dinner , piano lounge, etc.

Lovely wants to fly out of WRWA to see the babies and I'm delayed getting back to town from BFE.
Can't be having her miss a babies flight.

Lovely's return trip from babies, typically a late landing flight, is best for a day I need to already be on the road earlier that eve.

I'm sure there are other examples, but those are what ahve come to mind as I mull it over.

I thought the current coverage area when you look at their map was just OKC (maybe it changed since I last looked), so will even let you punch in a pickup in Norman and a drop off in Edmond, for example?

^

The issue is finding a driver in the area where you want to picked up.

For example, I live outside of the official L.A. coverage area but as a driver, I can choose to be on-line at home and if someone requests a ride within about 5-10 miles, I'll get a notice.

I think the biggest difference is that if you are outside the area and no drivers happen to be on-line, you are stuck. If you are within the area, they will dispatch the nearest driver even if it's a decent distance.

So in other words, I think they take responsibility for finding a driver within their published boundaries but can't guarantee anything outside of them.

Thanks Pete, that makes a ton of sense

The other thing Uber does is that it will text drivers if they are seeing good demand in a particular area that is not well covered by cars.

I get them all the time: "Big event at Hollywood Bowl -- need drivers in the area." or "Tons of demand in Santa Monica this evening".


I'm very impressed with their operation and about 99% of the experiences seem to be quite favorable.

Compare that to a typical cab ride where most the time you are in some old, crappy, smelly, squeaky car with a scary driver driving like his hair is on fire.


This revolution has been a long time in coming and credit to companies like Uber who are smart enough to capitalize and make it work effectively.


And if the Oklahoman is going to report on this, they need to do a much better job.

The next report in the DOK should be by someone who has ridden in one. I nominate Steve to do a report, where he rides in an OKC cab, and then rides in an Uber, and does a fair report on the experiences.

My driver yesterday said they'll drive you wherever you want. As far as pick-ups go I think that is correct, they'll only pick up in the designated area - which does somewhat limit it's usefulness if you wanted to use Uber to go from Edmond to Norman for example - not to mention that would cost healthy amount. Pete, I didn't realize they notify drivers of busy locations/times - that's incredibly smart - some should be intuitive (Thunder games), but if their app actually picks up on users who are actively searching for a ride - wow!

The Oklahoman ought to do a more thorough interview with Nick Collison or someone else high profile who uses Uber frequently. Come on Steve!

Used Uber tonight and requested the uberx to use the special they have running right now. Ended up getting picked up by a Mercedes GL450, so that was a nice surprise for a free ride.

Used Uber tonight and requested the uberx to use the special they have running right now. Ended up getting picked up by a Mercedes GL450, so that was a nice surprise for a free ride.

Nice! My driver said today UberBlack is on the cards for OKC, as soon as they have enough cars. Wouldn't be shocked if your driver is just getting his feet wet as an "X" for now and then will be one of the "Black" drivers. I am now obsessed with Uber btw. Am going to use it to the airport now on, and every other chance I get. Pretty soon I won't need my new car that's barely 5 months old.

I'm visiting Chicago and we've used my son's uber account a half dozen times to get cabs. Really handy to get one headed to the curb while still in the hotel or apartment before getting dressed up for the weather or standing in the rain waiting for one to hail. I asked two of the drivers how it was working for them. One wasn't too enthused about it, saying cancellations after rolling were frequent. Also said people wouldnt be ready at the location whn he got there. Phone call would result in them saying they would be down in a minute. He does use the one star rating for those types. The other driver said it was great. Increased his business 20% without increasing his costs.

Uber won't run on my current IOS but I used Hailo to get a cab to ohare the morning. I'll upgrade and try the private car thing with uber in OKC sometime.
Shouldn't this thread be in transportation?

Used Uber tonight and requested the uberx to use the special they have running right now. Ended up getting picked up by a Mercedes GL450, so that was a nice surprise for a free ride.

I used it Wednesday night for an employee after our Christmas party. It was a Lincoln mkz. Nice ride and with the December promo, was free.

So many people are buying 4 door pickups these days. Would plenty of people love to be picked up in one of those?

So many people are buying 4 door pickups these days. Would plenty of people love to be picked up in one of those?

Not me.

Not me.
Some of the four door pickups have more luxury than a lot of cars on the road. Have you ever been inside one of the Ford King Ranch trucks...pretty nice. (pricy also)

Uber is really spreading. Multiple people who I thought would have no idea about the service, were using it this weekend.

Some of the four door pickups have more luxury than a lot of cars on the road. Have you ever been inside one of the Ford King Ranch trucks...pretty nice. (pricy also)

As a lengthy and anything but lanky fellow, I'd rather be picked up in a King Ranch or a Tahoe than a Civic, 328i, or even a Ford Escape any day (unless there was an available front seat.)

Used uber this weekend...so much better than taking a cab. And they have some great specials right now so I haven't actually had to pay yet, but if I had, it was half as much as cab fare to the same location. Win, win...I'm a fan.

My cousin drives for them in LA and I have been hoping OKC would get it since first hearing about it last year. Very pleased.

What New Year's Eve Will Be Like for Uber | Inc.com (http://www.inc.com/christine-lagorio/uber-new-years-2014.html)

At about 12:15, though, all hell breaks loose for Uber surge pricing. "At about midnight, the ball drops, people kiss their special someone, they pop some champagne, and right after that, people want to get out of Dodge. And it's at 12:15 in cities around the world when the demand just way outstrips anything that supply can bring to the table." This lasts until about 3 a.m. "If you absolutely need a ride between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., Uber will be reliable. But it will be a pricey ride," Kalanick says.

---

so do the drivers get to share in the price hikes, or does it work some other way?

I suspect so since drivers are getting a % of the fare already. They are also issuing incentives for drivers to come out NYE like hourly wages as well. Drivers should do very well NYE night.

As I mentioned earlier, my cousin drives for Uber in LA and is planning to work on NYE because he should be able to make a killing. He said the price increases are pretty ridiculous (for ex. last year someone spent $312 for something that was normally between $20 - $40), but they do get to keep the same percentage on the increased fare which he said was around 80%. He didn't mention any hourly wages, but I'm sure that's not out of the question. Apparently people are willing to pay the increased price.

As you probably know, incentives are done at the network level so OKC may offer incentives not offered in LA. In OKC, there is a shortage of drivers so I'd expect them to do whatever they can to get people out driving. I've paid surge pricing many times. It never was prohibitively high enough that it still didn't make sense to use Uber. Most of the times it seemed to be in the range of 25-50% higher.

Yeah I'm sure that was the crazy exception to the rule. I would be interested to know what they offer for drivers here because you are definitely right, there are not many yet. If the promotional deals they are offering to riders are any indication (I've ridden 3 times and have yet to pay for anything), I'm sure they've got some great deals out there.

It's worth mentioning most people needing rides home late tonight will not exactly be coherant enough to realize how much they're paying for a ride home until the next day.