I nearly cried…

I use taxi's very rarely but I do have an account with a local company and when I have used them, so far, they have not let me down.

I think people don’t understand what Uber is. It’s not a taxi service. It doesn’t employ anyone.

It’s basically technology that links independent people offering transport with individuals wanting transport.

The individuals providing the transport don’t have to have any qualifications other than a driving licence or safety checks other than an MOT and Insurance. Just like you and me. They could be you and me.

So the request for transport comes in. I pick it up. But then a better drive comes in, or a friend asks me out to lunch or I just can’t be bothered. All I have to do is cancel the ride. It will then go back for somebody else to pick up.

Uber has no obligation to provide a ride. They are just the technological link.

Black cab drivers have all sorts of standards to meet both for the cab itself but also for their safety record, health and eyesight checks. Uber drivers could be any dodgy sort with long criminal records. Uber? No thanks.

As a non driver I rely on taxis a lot. I have built a relationship with a local firm and they are mostly ok except around sunset during Ramadan!

Regular taxis are more expensive, but if you don't use them often, it is worth, as other Posters have said upthread, using your local firm.

Lathyrus3

I think people don’t understand what Uber is. It’s not a taxi service. It doesn’t employ anyone.

It’s basically technology that links independent people offering transport with individuals wanting transport.

The individuals providing the transport don’t have to have any qualifications other than a driving licence or safety checks other than an MOT and Insurance. Just like you and me. They could be you and me.

So the request for transport comes in. I pick it up. But then a better drive comes in, or a friend asks me out to lunch or I just can’t be bothered. All I have to do is cancel the ride. It will then go back for somebody else to pick up.

Uber has no obligation to provide a ride. They are just the technological link.

Not quite true, they need a private hire licence from local authority but not a black cab licence. They also need a DBS check and insurance.

Yes, you’re right about the Licence from the local authority.and the DBS.

Of course he person driving the car may not be the person on the drivers licence and the DBS. No way Uber or the passenger to know who is actually picking them up.

Lathyrus3

Yes, you’re right about the Licence from the local authority.and the DBS.

Of course he person driving the car may not be the person on the drivers licence and the DBS. No way Uber or the passenger to know who is actually picking them up.

That goes for any hire car or taxi. If people are prepared to act illegally that's what happens.