Whitmire’s alleged assault is made worse because he shouldn’t have been driving for Uber at all. As first reported by PandoDaily, Whitmire has a felony conviction from 2009 for selling marijuana, a felony charge from 2012 for selling cocaine and is currently on probation for a battery charge. Uber has always said it had a “zero-tolerance” policy for alcohol and drug-related offenses, though the definition of that policy has changed over time. Uber’s most recent background check criteria forbid drivers from having, among other things, drug-related charges or felony convictions within the last seven years, both of which Whitmire has.

Whitmire was deactivated from the system in December and “we will defer to the criminal justic system to take matters from here,” Uber spokesman Lane Kasselman said in an e-mail. “This driver had a clean background check from Hirease.” Hirease could not immediately be reached for comment.

Sounds like Uber also needs to have a bit better management system for background checks?

Sounds like Uber also needs to have a bit better management system for background checks?

You obviously seem to have something against Uber. I guess you missed my link from a story that happened recently about a cabbie assaulting a rider, do they need a better system for background checks? Uber or cabbie, or hell, the city bus, all cases you are getting into a car driven by a stranger. Bad things could happen anywhere. Its not limited to Uber. Either way, this okc case will be played out in court. This should have no bearing on whether uber is worse or more unsafe than cabs.

Santa Cruz taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting customer - Santa Cruz Sentinel (http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_25477081/santa-cruz-taxi-driver-accused-sexually-assaulting-customer)

Both Lyft and Uber are challenging the City of Austin on operating there.

Austin Business Journal - Uber follows Lyft's lead, launches in Austin despite official ban (http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2014/06/04/uber-follows-lyfts-lead-launches-in-austin-despite.html)

You obviously seem to have something against Uber. I guess you missed my link from a story that happened recently about a cabbie assaulting a rider, do they need a better system for background checks? Uber or cabbie, or hell, the city bus, all cases you are getting into a car driven by a stranger. Bad things could happen anywhere. Its not limited to Uber. Either way, this okc case will be played out in court. This should have no bearing on whether uber is worse or more unsafe than cabs.

Santa Cruz taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting customer - Santa Cruz Sentinel (http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_25477081/santa-cruz-taxi-driver-accused-sexually-assaulting-customer)

No I think all services that involve driving passengers need to have background checks especially cabs and buses. I know at my business if you drive a vehicle you get frequent drug tests. I think it would be nice if Uber would set up a base of operations in each city they serve to manage these things. A place to check out cars and run a background check. Seems like it would be simple and cut down on incidents

Both Lyft and Uber are challenging the City of Austin on operating there.

Austin Business Journal - Uber follows Lyft's lead, launches in Austin despite official ban (http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2014/06/04/uber-follows-lyfts-lead-launches-in-austin-despite.html)

Linked from that article:


On May 31, a city-run sting near the downtown Four Seasons Hotel impounded two Lyft drivers' cars and cited them for operating without a valid chauffeur permits. Another driver was cited on May 29, according to a spokeswoman for the city. The move comes after a continuing escalation following the transportation networking company's announcement that it would begin service on May 29.

No I think all services that involve driving passengers need to have background checks especially cabs and buses. I know at my business if you drive a vehicle you get frequent drug tests. I think it would be nice if Uber would set up a base of operations in each city they serve to manage these things. A place to check out cars and run a background check. Seems like it would be simple and cut down on incidents

They do require a detailed background check and your car has to be inspected on a regular basis.

They do require a detailed background check and your car has to be inspected on a regular basis.

I thought it was just the driver took pictures of the car and sent it in? Is there another inspection I did not know about?

No intended to be rude but I read that the inspections were just a few photos sent in.

I know Lyft has a mentor like service where the drivers have a passenger that gives them a sort of driving test while checking out the car. Seems like a good step by Lyft

I thought it was just the driver took pictures of the car and sent it in? Is there another inspection I did not know about?

No intended to be rude but I read that the inspections were just a few photos sent in.

I know Lyft has a mentor like service where the drivers have a passenger that gives them a sort of driving test while checking out the car. Seems like a good step by Lyft

Yes, there is another inspection process by an independent company.

Yes, there is another inspection process by an independent company.

Thanks. I couldn't find any info on it on their site.

^

Their exact process varies by city.

Thanks. I couldn't find any info on it on their site.

You don't get to see it unless you sign-up to be a driver, just like Devon doesn't disclose their contractor on-boarding process on their web site.

No I think all services that involve driving passengers need to have background checks especially cabs and buses. I know at my business if you drive a vehicle you get frequent drug tests. I think it would be nice if Uber would set up a base of operations in each city they serve to manage these things. A place to check out cars and run a background check. Seems like it would be simple and cut down on incidents

One isolated case of 2 drunk passengers getting unruly resulting in a punch thrown isnt something that warrants some onerous regulations. The beauty of Uber and Lyft is that it is self regulated, just like eBay. If you are a bad driver or passenger, you wont get service. I think this is a business model that customers like and the city/state need to get with the times, even if that involves relaxing regulations.

It's actually better than that. They'll just straight up cut you out if you don't get good reviews or have issues like this. How many cab drivers get fired for arguing with me about not having cash?

Or are just smelly, scary, terrible drivers in shoddy old cars sometimes without seat belts?

Uber is so much better than traditional taxis it's almost laughable, yet the press can't seem to grasp this important perspective.

For all those defending traditional journalists -- and I'm usually one of them -- they are generally choosing to run some sensationalized isolated incidents rather than do any really, fair reporting. This is increasingly the case as they struggle for an audience; the irony is they are basically eroding the one real purpose they still serve.

Used uber plenty last weekend and there was only one thing that bugged me. For being a technology company, I wish they would give you options when you request a ride. One would be a "I don't know my destination yet" and One would be to let you input you destination when booking the ride so you don't have to be backseat driver the whole ride. We were at edna's and told the man just go to 150th and western and ill take you from there. His response, "where's western?" SMH. All of them had smart phones but wouldn't use them for directions. Seems like it would be a little more efficient or have a portable navigation to input it in when you get in the car. Other than that I think its awesome and have had good rates and drivers.

^^^^^^^^^

Yeah, I agree with that comment. I'll admit that I probably do know the downtown area better than most people due to years spent working/living down here, but I have had to give directions to most drivers who seem to often be lost/befuddled downtown. I know for a fact I wouldn't have to give directions to a cabbie. I guess there is a tradeoff.

The obvious difference is that all Uber drivers are virtually brand new.

But I agree about the technology part... From the driver's perspective it could be a lot better and I'm sure they are working on that.

Where's Western?

Sheesh. That's just sad if you are wanting money to cart folk from A to B.

I'll echo the fact that I have had to give drivers directions a few different times. They are given a phone that is equipped with navigation, but typically they have not used it. Regardless, I will use Uber/Lyft over a taxi 10/10 times.

^

Uber makes drivers carry an iPhone that they issue. It does have Google Maps but you can't add anything else. Plus, it's hard to use Google Maps while also running the Uber app on that phone.

So, I actually use my other phone for navigation because the Uber phone doesn't make or receive calls; you have to use your own phone for that.

If I were an Uber driver I would surely invest in a GPS for my car (in my case I already have one for my motorcycle and would repurpose it). Especially for longer drives ask for a destination address or intersection, plug it in and all of this conversation goes away. Not that I would need it 99% of the time in OKC as I am pretty intimately acquainted with nearly every part of the city to the point where I probably SHOULD be an Uber or cab driver. Give me an intersection to drive to just about anywhere in the metro and I'll get you there.

That said, it wouldn't fix the problem of drivers not seven knowing downtown cross streets or P180 detours during short trips. A GPS wouldn't be much help there. I've especially been surprised at how many local Uber drivers are recent transplants to OKC.

As a Uber driver you are supposed to ask, "Do you have a preferred route or would you like me to to use navigation?"

Even when someone provides a preferred route, I always said, "I'm going to also plug it into my GPS just as a backup."


I've had plenty of cab drivers who are pretty clueless as well. It's hard to even communicate with many of them here in L.A.

I've especially been surprised at how many local Uber drivers are recent transplants to OKC.

I had one that was a recent transplant from Detroit and also drives for Kings Limo. Told me some cool stories about driving Sam Presti around.

I plug everything into my car's GPS. I can't imagine trying to do Uber without it. When the ride is accepted it list the persons location and show their location on a map (but the map is zoomed to a scale that shows both me and the rider - and that can cover a lot of area in suburbia. However, it does give me a general direction so I can start driving. My car's GPS is voice activated so while I am driving I just tell it the address the rider put in and it plots the course. If there is one thing I could change though it would be if the address corresponds to a business that it tell me the business name as well. It is much easier to find The Tilted Kilt than it is 9720 Deer Lake Ct because The Tilted Kilt has a 60 sq ft sign right next to the street that says Titled Kilt, but has an address in 3 inch numbers above their door 60 feet from the street.

http://newsok.com/colorado-governor-signs-bill-to-regulate-ridesharing-firms/article/4888705

I'm glad Colorado passed this law and I hope it becomes a national model. For what its worth, I already had to do all those step here in Florida.

Euro cabbies arent really big fans of Uber either. However, this is encouraging:

Time and again in the United States, when new technologies have raised issues about consumer choice and convenience versus traditional workers’ rights, consumers have regularly won out. But in Europe, as is evident by the anti-Uber protesters disrupting the daily routines of tens of millions of people on Wednesday, that conflict is still playing out.

You arent going to stop consumer demand for better and more efficient car service. Like napster to the music industry, the industry will just have to change or die out.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/taxi-protests-against-uber-in-europe-to-snarl-traffic/?_php=true&_type=blogs&smid=tw-share&_r=0

Cabbies in Europe went on a 1 hour strike yesterday - and it back fired big time. New subscribers to Uber went up 850% over the previous Wednesday as Uber ran ads saying that while the cabbies were on strike Uber was getting people from A to B.

Uber Demonstrations Snarl Traffic From London to Berlin - Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-10/uber-protests-spread-across-europe-as-taxi-app-backlash-grows.html)

Here is the thing I don't get - why are the cabbies sticking to broken model at apparently all costs. Just take the darn Taxi sign off the cab, get the Uber phone, and join the revolution. My guess is most of them don't do it for 1 of 3 reasons. 1) Their car doesn't meet Uber requirements for age and condition, 2) They can't pass the driving background check, or 3) They can't pass the criminal record check.

If only it was just NewsOK. I had a young lady get in the car last week and she mentioned the incident in San Francisco where the guy abducted the woman. I had to explain to her that while the guy did drive for Uber and the woman did have the Uber app on her phone - he was NOT driving for Uber at the time and she was NOT an Uber customer at the time. The way the media reports it, if I robbed a bank this afternoon the headline would be Uber Driver Robs Bank.

Cabbies in Europe went on a 1 hour strike yesterday - and it back fired big time. New subscribers to Uber went up 850% over the previous Wednesday as Uber ran ads saying that while the cabbies were on strike Uber was getting people from A to B.

Uber Demonstrations Snarl Traffic From London to Berlin - Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-10/uber-protests-spread-across-europe-as-taxi-app-backlash-grows.html)

Here is the thing I don't get - why are the cabbies sticking to broken model at apparently all costs. Just take the darn Taxi sign off the cab, get the Uber phone, and join the revolution. My guess is most of them don't do it for 1 of 3 reasons. 1) Their car doesn't meet Uber requirements for age and condition, 2) They can't pass the driving background check, or 3) They can't pass the criminal record check.

I am not sure about the rest of Europe but I used several taxis in London just this week and they were clean and well maintained for. I have actually paid attention and over the last several trips trips to London, I have never seen a dirty cab let alone one that had any type of dent or damage to it. I think the London cabs are highly regulated. I am in Venice now and it it nothing but water taxis that are extremely expensive. I am guessing regulations keep them from offering something more cost efficient between the vaporettos (water buses) and the water tXis. Min. Charge on water taxi starts at 15 euros which is about 20 bucks US before the distance starts running. We looked at going from Rialto bridge area down to st marks and if I was reading the chart right...it was close to 60 euros. A day pass on the vaporetto is 20 euros for 24 hours. Much better price.

London is known for clean their black cabs are and it takes years to become a taxi driver there as they have to memorize every street in the city. However, that training comes at a steep price. Uber is 40% less than taking a London cab. Plus, a London cab medallion cost $500,000. You have to drive a cab for a long time just to break even.

In Tehran they have taken the Uber concept a step further, and it is a system OKC should look at. Tehran has a traditional taxi system but they also have private taxis (anyone who owns a car) that run fixed routes. They are a supplement to the mass transit systems. In exchange for driving the fixed route the car owner is given 60 liters of subsidized gasoline and gets to keep the fares collected on his route. This is much cheaper than maintaining a bus system and ensures that supply meets demand throughout the day - unlike a bus system that has a fixed number of buses.

Regulating cabs: No knowledge needed | The Economist (http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2012/02/regulating-cabs-0)

Also, if the driver is late you may cut off his ear, and if it happens again you may stone him to death. It's really a super system.

Also, if the driver is late you may cut off his ear, and if it happens again you may stone him to death. It's really a super system.

I'm not going to defend the religious and social practice of Muslims, but Tehran is one of the easiest and least expensive cities in the world to travel in. Even a broken watch can be right 2 times a day.

Also, if the driver is late you may cut off his ear, and if it happens again you may stone him to death. It's really a super system.

Wow. I never thought I'd see you post something like that...

Tehran is NOT Mogadishu.

I'm not going to defend the religious and social practice of Muslims, but Tehran is one of the easiest and least expensive cities in the world to travel in. Even a broken watch can be right 2 times a day.AHAHAHAH loloOOOLOLOLOOLLOOLLolo

We'll see for my own experience as I might be going come July and if isn't this year, it will be the next, but let me tell you and anyone else on here, my entire family pretty much was born in Iran; most lived in Tehran, and sir, that is a load of bullsh!t. Tehran is one of the most miserable cities to drive in and the pollution is so bad there when you wear a white shirt, it will change color.

You want to talk about taxi drivers there, you wouldn't believe the stories if I told you. They are also planning massive expansion of their highway system and preparing to demo parts of the mountains that surround the city. I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but I know for a fact what you said about Tehran is not accurate.

I'll have to take your word for it PluPan as I have never been there. Here is where the info came from.

Regulating cabs: No knowledge needed | The Economist (http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2012/02/regulating-cabs-0)

I also went to youtube and did a search on Tehran taxis and it doesn't look that bad to me. I also had no idea that Tehran had a skyline like that. For a country with nearly 40 years of US economic sanctions they seem to be doing pretty well.

I'll have to take your word for it PluPan as I have never been there. Here is where the info came from.

Regulating cabs: No knowledge needed | The Economist (http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2012/02/regulating-cabs-0)

I also went to youtube and did a search on Tehran taxis and it doesn't look that bad to me. I also had no idea that Tehran had a skyline like that. For a country with nearly 40 years of US economic sanctions they seem to be doing pretty well.I've never been there either but that will change very soon, possibly next month. what I know is from family who was born there and moved here. I was adopted which is why I'm white, but even dad used to live over there during his teenage years

I've never been there either but that will change very soon, possibly next month. what I know is from family who was born there and moved here. I was adopted which is why I'm white, but even dad used to live over there during his teenage years

How long have they been gone? Maybe it's changed.

How long have they been gone? Maybe it's changed.My grandfather goes there once, sometimes twice, a year.

I still have a ton of relatives who still live there and the ones that are here usually visit at least once in 5 years.

Wow. I never thought I'd see you post something like that...

I'm not sure what you mean. That wasn't a comment on Islam. It was a comment on Iran. You are aware that stoning actually happens there, right? STONING. To death.

My joking (admittedly dark humor) point is this: I'm not sure we need to be taking civic pointers from Iran. JTF's (fair) point is that even a broken clock is right twice per day.

By the way, I'm equal-opportunity here. I oppose pretty much all theocratic government.

I'm not sure what you mean. That wasn't a comment on Islam. It was a comment on Iran. You are aware that stoning actually happens there, right? STONING. To death.

Yes. I'm aware of that. You also realize that there are other countries that allow this form of punishment as well, right? Pakistan, northern Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Mauritania, and Yemen.

I just feel like you using that to characterize an entire culture is a bit distasteful.

I am in no way endorsing stoning, I just don't understand why it was necessary to bring that up...

I wouldn't want to take civic pointers from any of the other countries you mention, either.

I am in no way endorsing stoning, I just don't understand why it was necessary to bring that up...

It was black humor intended to make a point. I'm not too interested in the way Iran does things; that's all. The certainly don't strike me as a model for 21st century efficiency. Sorry if it offended you. Wasn't intended to be offensive.

Back to Uber.

Let's imagine if OKC employed the private bus system. I think it would be a huge boost. If you live in Edmond and work downtown you could just run a set route home and pick up people waiting at the stops along your route. Collect the fare from them and put it right in your pocket. Then Metro Transit would give you a $10 gas card every day for your troubles. Keep in mind that all you have to do is drive the route, it doesn't matter what time you drive the route as other people will be driving the same route as you. I am liking the idea of UberBus.

anyone have a bad Uber experience?

I think I would have ended up in Stroud had I not told the guy to turn off his "siri" directions...Of course I wasnt paying attention and I looked up and saw Penn Square Mall floating by...directions were airport to Oklahoma City University area...

I'm not sure what to do, poor rating? Feels like I got "long-hauled"...

edit: what the hell happened to this thread?

anyone have a bad Uber experience?

I think I would have ended up in Stroud had I not told the guy to turn off his "siri" directions...Of course I wasnt paying attention and I looked up and saw Penn Square Mall floating by...directions were airport to Oklahoma City University area...

I'm not sure what to do, poor rating? Feels like I got "long-hauled"...

edit: what the hell happened to this thread?

Not sure if you can still do it but on your app or email confirmation there should have been an option for "fare review". Uber would then review the route and adjust accordingly if they think you got "taken for a ride". I wonder if his Oklahoma City University got interpreted as Oklahoma State University - in which case you would have ended up in Stillwater.

as for the thread - we took a short detour through Iran. Don't worry though; you aren't charged extra for the detour. :)

Its true, Uber is responsive and they knocked a couple miles off the trip distance.

Its true, Uber is responsive and they knocked a couple miles off the trip distance.

Try that with a cab company.

Try that with a cab company.

But according to the cab companies, Uber is providing the public with unclear and hazy, and extremely unsafe transportation options...

But according to the cab companies, Uber is providing the public with unclear and hazy, and extremely unsafe transportation options...

Yep. When you can't compete - lie and scare.

Yep. When you can't compete - lie and scare.

It's the American Way . . . of advertising everything from pharmaceuticals to political candidates to foreign policy . . .
Well . . . Ain't it?

It's the American Way . . . of advertising everything from pharmaceuticals to political candidates to foreign policy . . .
Well . . . Ain't it?

Yes it is. Fear is a great motivator. We have nothing to fear except the protection from fear itself.

Just received notice that Uber has added turn-by-turn navigation to their driver's app.


Also, here in L.A. drivers are now required to post a "U" in their windshield identifying when a vehicle is on-line with the Uber system.

This is a compromise struck with local authorities, and I think a fair one.

They've been doing the U here in Seattle and I like it. Makes it faster for locating the car on a busy street anyway.

I think it will be better for the drivers too (to be seen).

Far better than that silly pink mustache Lyft uses. I know helps create awareness and visibility, but I'm approved to drive for them as well but won't do it because of that awful thing.

Uber isn?t the problem; taxi regulations are - Opinion - The Boston Globe (http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/06/22/uber-isn-problem-taxi-regulations-are/5tBvAe8rcnGFcDYDT0jx3N/story.html)

Oklahoma City traffic commission approves regulating app-based ride services | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-traffic-commission-approves-regulating-app-based-ride-services/article/5011736)


The regulations would require that:

Vehicles providing app-based services be inspected for safety by the city.

The vehicles display “trade dress” for identification purposes, similar to the way a taxi has distinctive colors.

The city receive proof of insurance that meets liability requirements.

Drivers undergo background checks at least as stringent as the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation checks for taxi and limo drivers.

Companies and their drivers provide only app-based services; “street hails” — when a customer flags down a cab — would be forbidden.

Companies be licensed annually by the city; drivers would be required to get an annual permit.

Just received notice that Uber has added turn-by-turn navigation to their driver's app.


Also, here in L.A. drivers are now required to post a "U" in their windshield identifying when a vehicle is on-line with the Uber system.

This is a compromise struck with local authorities, and I think a fair one.

Hopefully they'd oiling other cities. Had a heck of a hard time finding our driver last night in boston. Must have been 20 different black cars.

Oklahoma City traffic commission approves regulating app-based ride services | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-traffic-commission-approves-regulating-app-based-ride-services/article/5011736)


The regulations would require that:

Vehicles providing app-based services be inspected for safety by the city.

The vehicles display “trade dress” for identification purposes, similar to the way a taxi has distinctive colors.

The city receive proof of insurance that meets liability requirements.

Drivers undergo background checks at least as stringent as the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation checks for taxi and limo drivers.

Companies and their drivers provide only app-based services; “street hails” — when a customer flags down a cab — would be forbidden.

Companies be licensed annually by the city; drivers would be required to get an annual permit.

I watched the traffic commission yesterday. it seems the big one on that list is the company being licensed. it almost seems like the city does not believe the companies will apply for license at all and it almost appeared that was what they hope. but I could be wrong.

all the other factors seemed to be in line.. the background checks done appeared to be better than what the city does, the trade dress says the moustache and U for uber are sufficient and the insurance seems to be in line.
I am curious what comes of this and I hope it doesn't run off UBER and Lyft