Uber vs Yellow Cab

[flash1987]

Living in Asia I'll use Grab Taxi or Uber every time. No chance of getting ripped off or running you around.

[Anapan]

It has not really taken off in Canada except large cities, and trying to set up a ride out of vancouver a day ahead of time long distance failed. Cabs here are quite expensive in my experience, but they're dedicated and well serviced. Cab companies usually have some rival cab companies even in small towns so the service has to be top-notch...
After hours "keys-please" type services in most cities tend to have a faster response, and cheaper rates, tho they're run out of "family" vehicles.
I'm a drunk, and use cab services often, in many cities at all hours of the night. I wish Uber was better stocked here.
There's been a bit of legal news about Uber here after some sting operations by the RCMP.
Edit: It's actually legal in Edmonton now but ceased operation on the 1st because of that.
^ apparently it's run by a bunch of thugs - protest and you'll be dox'd. I don't respect that kinda business.

[TSTR]

UBER has saved my ass many times. But then again, so have cabs. My experiences with cabs are overall less than stellar comparatively, however.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Interesting thread.

I've never been in a taxi cab of any sort.

[laurenhiya21]

I've only been in a cab twice and it was awful since they smelled of cigarette smoke and were expensive :l Haven't used Uber though, but I don't plan to either since I doubt it would be much better smell wise. Also just being driven my a stranger is really awkward for me.

[MrPopo]

Interesting thread.

I've never been in a taxi cab of any sort.

Do they have taxis in Maine? I wouldn't think the population density is high enough to support it.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Yes, I live outside the capitol city, which has cabs. I've seen cabs in a few other cities as well.

But yeah, they are a rare sight.

[KalessinDB]

I typically only take taxis on vacation. My buddy's girlfriend, on this latest trip to New Orleans, was all about the Uber - she said they seem "less creepy" which was bizarre to the rest of us (we figured if any option was creepy, it was the randoms driving for Uber rather than someone who's went through a legit hiring process - not that we found any of them creepy) and cheaper. We tried to get an Uber ride once from the French Quarter and failed because he just drove past us without flagging us down, despite seeing us. The taxi drivers ranged from slightly worrisome to awesome.

I imagine if I took them more frequently I might have a more fleshed-out response. One thing I don't like is that Uber uses ridiculously shady business practices to get around the fact that they're just a cab company. The medallion system may not be perfect, but it's a system that's in place, so you shouldn't try to skirt around it with legal hijinks.

[Forlorn Drifter]

Never taken a taxi.

Uber is nice though. If we go out drinking and realize we didn't pick a DD, or the driver goes off somewhere and we lose them, or whatever, they're a pretty good deal for getting home. I personally prefer the free service through the school, although the problem there is that everybody is using it, and there's a long wait list.

[CRTGAMER]

I personally prefer the free service through the school, although the problem there is that everybody is using it, and there's a long wait list.

Gaah, I hope my tax money is not paying to give drunks a ride home!? Now that is a great message from the school to send to the students; "Go party before class the next day, we'll give you a ride home free!"

@ Forlorn - Since the free shuttle service is available, can't blame you for not taking advantage of it though.

One thing I don't like is that Uber uses ridiculously shady business practices to get around the fact that they're just a cab company. The medallion system may not be perfect, but it's a system that's in place, so you shouldn't try to skirt around it with legal hijinks.

Uber certainly has an unfair advantage. Cab companies have to meet higher standards to obtain the mandated Medallion.