Introducing Uber Trip Experiences API | Hacker News Reader

Introducing Uber Trip Experiences API

newsroom.uber.com

19 pointsshade236 comments

I've always felt Uber doesn't really have lock-in. To me the vlaue of Uber's network isn't n^2(metcalf) because each diver is the same. And wait time is a function of closest available driver not aggregate number of drivers. Also, drivers have the option to work at other networks. Also, drivers don't set pricing so that even one less way to differentiate. Now if this Trip experiences was to catch on that could be a little different. If they have something that's truly valuable and unique in these apps it could work. but how unique can you make it?

A possible trip experience for Uber.And I guess this is what they are looking at : https://medium.com/swlh/ubergenius-686e16799228#.bb0h1mx2y

>And wait time is a function of closest available driver not aggregate number of drivers.

Which is proportional to the number of drivers.

The lock in comes from both directions. Wait time for drivers is a function of the closest available passenger which is proportional to the number of passengers on the platform.

There's a reason why investors are dumping silly amounts of money into Uber and it's not because of their innovative technology.

>Also, drivers have the option to work at other networks.

For now. I suspect that won't last long.

>>Also, drivers have the option to work at other networks. >For now. I suspect that won't last long.

That would almost certainly change the driver from an independent contractor to an employee. I don't know if the Uber business model would survive that.

http://money.cnn.com/2014/08/04/technology/uber-lyft/index.h... -- Uber don't seem to be aware.

Interesting. The specific IRS guidance that seems to be in conflict:

"We also want to consider the availability of services. Are the worker’s services available to the market? ...Also, an independent contractor is generally free to seek out business opportunities."

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