So, apart from Uber maybe having some nicer cars available, what's the deal?
There's something to be said for the Knowledge, which in case any readers here don't know, is what it sounds like. London Black Cab drivers have comprehensive knowledge of London's streets which allows them to get around very quickly compared to many minicab drivers including Uber cars. They have to have this to get their licence to drive a black cab.
They're also prone to be "on their way home" and thus, "not going in the direction you're going" if you want to go some place that is unlikely to get them a fare back into central.
Any competition against these over-priced monopolists is a good thing in my book. Yes they have 'the knowledge' and yet I still find myself giving them directions to where I want to go.
(Still, they're better clued-in than a sketchy minicab driver; but then, that bar is set rather low.)
- Nicer cars (I don't how that's an afterthought to be brushed away)
- Cheaper (by a good margin)
- There are more than twice as many private hire cars than taxis in London - although, they're not all on Uber, by a huge margin. I "top up" with Kabbee when Uber falls short. (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm...)
- Not too proud to use sat nav (A major selling point for taxis is that they have "The Knowledge" which, in a way, is impressive, but ragingly annoying when they don't happen to know the place you're going and you have to provide turn-by-turn navigation).
- Private hire cars don't have an industry association that calls the competition rapists (This weekend, Regent Street. On my way to grab an Uber. https://www.dropbox.com/s/2qqmy7sldbax6xk/20140426_232545.jp... )
It isn't, but London cabs are far from uncomfortable, and most people don't have long journeys. It's factor, but I struggle to see it as an important one.
Private hire cars don't have an industry association that calls the competition rapists
That's not really calling the competition rapists. It's not even specifically talking about the competition you're talking about - the danger is unlicensed cabs and drivers who are not certified.
The headline on the article says "minicabs" which is specifically the competition I'm talking about and whose drivers are licensed and certified.
> I don't really understand why people would use Uber in
> London when services like Hailo exist
"Cash? Sorry, I've got no cash. Just this credit card."