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Comment by suneilp | Hacker News Reader

I can't say I'm sorry to hear taxis lose business. Uber is being innovative and I like it. Taxi drivers, from what I understand, have been getting shafted for a long time by a corrupt system.

Uber drivers might not be making bank, but from what I can tell they are doing better. If I'm wrong about please correct me, I'd love to hear some feedback on that.

I often ask Uber drivers if the pay is worthwhile since I don't want to be supporting something that is screwing people over. So far it all seems positive for the most part.

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I often ask Uber drivers the same and the response is generally:

* the pay is decent (ranging from a hair above minimum wage to a healthy and sustainable source of income)

* the benefits are non-existent (most don't seem bothered by this)

* the job security is guaranteed (a huge plus)

* the work schedule is at their discretion (another huge plus)

* the work environment is quite good (passengers are usually very friendly, you work from the comfort of your car, the on-boarding process is quick and painless)

All in all it's a net benefit for most people, in terms of quality of life and financial stability. What's not to love?

Note: this is all purely anecdotal and most drivers I have spoken to have been working for <1 year, in most cases <6 months.

"Job security guaranteed"... That's so ludicrous, I don't know where to begin. Forget driverless cars for a moment and think about the fact that a few bad ratings can remove your ability to earn income from this source forever.

Put another way, if a few someones you give a ride to rate you low, you lose your ability to earn. That's hardly "guaranteed"... I would certainly contrast it with the current model of "at-risk" employment we have now, but the certainty of your word choice feels facetious at best.

It seems taxi services would also be quick to fire if a series of customer complaints emerged, so not sure how Uber's model is strictly inferior to status quo.

I have to agree. I love the fact that it's easier to rate drivers and I'm always judicious in rating drivers. I always give drivers 5 ratings if they don't have issues.

There are complainers out there but from feedback I've gotten after commenting on a driver once I suspect Ube at least attempts to handle those kinds of situations.

Pretty much the same I hear, but one other thing they seem to prefer is longer rides than short ones.

About the benefits, most of them do Uber as a side gig so they often get benefits from their main job or Uber is a temporary thing.

Uber and other "on-demand" apps are literally the opposite of "guaranteed" job security.

There is a finite amount of job potential which you are able to compete for. That's why Uber drivers often drive for Lyft as well because they are just sitting around waiting for someone to hail them, because there is no job security past the fare you are currently picking up.

This is also reflective by the fact that you arent an employee but an independent contractor who has very little rights and no benefits.

Few professions attract as much despise as taxis, and this is worldwide. Hotels and hostels being undercut by AirBnb because of taxes? Yes we could have some compassion. Taxi drivers? Unanimity against[1]. Worldwide.

The debate is not only for NYC or DC. It's knowing that your transportation service in Paris, Kinshasa or Moscow has a 4.5 rating.

[1] I don't even have a personal opinion on this, personally I loved cabs in Madrid, but I'm just taking notice of a worldwide trend.

In Madrid? Prfff, you were lucky, my friend. I lived there for 4 years and I see them as the Mafia on wheels.

In my interviews with Uber drivers the only ones that really complain about the company are former taxi drivers.

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