# Uber Uber Alles **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 3, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105 "2015-03-03T17:23:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/41 "2015-03-03T20:06:00Z")
Uber drivers and Uber are both insured, from what I read on line. I would support higher levels of mandatory insurance for both cab and uber. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/42 "2015-03-03T20:09:12Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > There’s nothing wrong with having an app. The app is not the basis of my objection. The basis of my objection is that Uber drivers are not _licensed_ like taxi drivers, Licensed to drive wildly through the streets, to run yellows at top speed, to take longer “scenic” routes, etc. > [@](#): > > their _vehicles_ are not held to the standards that taxis are True–the smell of vomit and piss on torn faux-leather is a standard that MUST be maintained. > [@](#): > > they operate outside of regulatory schemes specifically designed to limit the number of taxis on the road. So they don’t have artificial scarcity to drive up the prices. And you still haven’t addressed how a “carpool and everyone chips in for the gas” thing is any different than Uber. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/43 "2015-03-03T20:09:21Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > And the average junkie has nothing but good things to say about his dealer. > > Is that an argument for legalization? Sure, I have no problem with it. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/44 "2015-03-03T20:12:19Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > And you still haven’t addressed how a “carpool and everyone chips in for the gas” thing is any different than Uber. How is “a carpool and everyone chips in for the gas” any _similar_ to Uber? ---
**Author:** ![Trom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@Trom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trom)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/45 "2015-03-03T20:12:21Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > And the average junkie has nothing but good things to say about his dealer. > > Is that an argument for legalization? Quit while you’re behind. ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/46 "2015-03-03T20:18:01Z")
> [@LurkerInNJ](#): > > Where in your New Delhi Uber driver rape story was there a threat to the reporter or their family? [**Here.**](http://www.dailytech.com/Uber+Exec+Threatens+to+Spend+Millions+to+Stalk+Female+Reporter+and+Her+Family/article36907.htm) In the story I linked to above. > [@](#): > > Ms. Lacy had in recent blogs criticized Über for a culture of “sexism and misogyny”. In particularly she had criticized the company’s PR team for victim blaming. After incidents of drivers sexually assaulting female passengers came to light, the PR team – according to Ms. Lacy – look to "discredit female passengers who accuse drivers of attacking them by whispering that they were ‘drunk’ or 'dressed provocatively.’” ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/47 "2015-03-03T20:20:10Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > And that model is commonly referred to as “price gouging”, which we as a society decided sometime around a century ago it was _in the best interest of the consumer (that’s you!)_ to prohibit. In some extreme cases, but for the most part it’s what we call “supply and demand” and it’s how “the economy” works. Uber has also set caps on fares during emergencies like some of the recent winter storms out east. I also think most people would agree that paying a little more not to have to wait for several hours for a ride home is well worth it. The real world data also shows that the prices tend to be comparable to traditional taxis during peak hours and significantly less other times. > [@Smapti](#): > > It won’t materialize Uber drivers that don’t exist, either. :smack: Do you really not understand how this works or are you just being intentionally contrary or what? The taxi companies can’t put more cars to work because they’re already running at 100% capacity pretty much all the time. Uber can’t literally pull drivers out of thin air obviously, but the pool of potential drivers is near limitless and they have the ability to increase the pay to get more cars and drivers on the road during high demand. Taxi companies can’t. > [@Smapti](#): > > of my objection. The basis of my objection is that Uber drivers are not _licensed_ like taxi drivers, they are not _insured_ like taxi drivers, their _vehicles_ are not held to the standards that taxis are, they are not vetted or supervised like taxi drivers are, they do not offer guaranteed consisten fares like taxis do, and they operate outside of regulatory schemes specifically designed to limit the number of taxis on the road. Also to harp on this some more, once again in most jurisdictions taxi drivers and cars aren’t particularly vetted. Certainly with cars, Uber’s standards are generally higher with requiring newer model sedans. The retired cop cars that are the backbone of the US taxi fleet certainly wouldn’t pass. I don’t know all that much about the driver vetting, but I imagine their insurance requires the same general basic “not too bad” driving record most cab companies do. With things like the rapes, in every jurisdiction I’m familiar with there’s _nothing_ that would stop a felon or sex offender with a decent driving record from becoming a cab driver. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/48 "2015-03-03T20:31:12Z")
> [@GreasyJack](#): > > . Uber can’t literally pull drivers out of thin air obviously, but the pool of potential drivers is near limitless and they have the ability to increase the pay to get more cars and drivers on the road during high demand. And that is a problem. ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/49 "2015-03-03T20:35:08Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > And that is a problem. No it isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Claverhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Claverhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claverhouse)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/50 "2015-03-03T20:40:18Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > One could walk. One could take the bus. One could book a closer hotel. One could do any number of things other than engage a gypsy cab. And suddenly I’m seeing garishly painted cars with wrought woodwork pulled by a quartet of spirited horses lashed into a frenzy along the city roads by some chap in a waistcoat, mustachios and long black locks as he calls “_Hola ! Hola !_” at his mettlesome steeds, and the violins play. Ah, that zigeuner music : how it speaks to my soul ! \*Hola, Hola, Hola, Hola, The world belongs to me, A gipsy lad, Whose life is glad, I love whate’er I see. Hola, Hola, Hola, Hola, My days are filled with joy, And all the earth is sweet with mirth for me, a gipsy boy. \* ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/51 "2015-03-03T20:46:34Z")
No one’s forcing you to use it, **Smapti**. It’s not for you to decide whether others can. I never have, but I’ve used regular cabs. Gross and dangerous in a couple instances. Give me an Uber or Lyft driver with documented positive reviews any day. ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/52 "2015-03-03T20:54:45Z")
> [@tapu](#): > > OP, did you steal my Uber uber alles, or is it so obvious that anyone would think of it? It is rather obvious. I ran a search for Uber because the story isn’t exactly hot off the press and I didn’t want to duplicate it. Your use didn’t show up or I missed it, and I think of Uber über alles every time I read anything about the Uber app. It is, with very little doubt, the reason the company was named Uber, [**the word having been imported into English**](http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/uber). ---
**Author:** ![LurkerInNJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ed655f/32.png) [@LurkerInNJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkerInNJ)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/53 "2015-03-03T21:01:45Z")
> [@user\_hostile](#): > > Well, good luck explaining that to your auto insurance company when your Uber passenger is seriously injured or killed in an auto accident. IRCC, your policy does not cover this situation. It’s called the SOL clause. In many states, New Jersey included, taxis are not required to have liability insurance for passengers so they do not because of the cost. Passengers are covered by their own health insurance. ---
**Author:** ![LurkerInNJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ed655f/32.png) [@LurkerInNJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkerInNJ)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/54 "2015-03-03T21:05:02Z")
> [@Kenm](#): > > [**Here.**](http://www.dailytech.com/Uber+Exec+Threatens+to+Spend+Millions+to+Stalk+Female+Reporter+and+Her+Family/article36907.htm) In the story I linked to above. And where in this link does it specifically mention the New Delhi rape story and THAT specific reporter being threatened? Hint: It doesn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/55 "2015-03-03T21:17:40Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Sometimes a non-competitive market is in the public’s best interest, especially when it relates to inherently dangerous machines that pollute the environment and compete with mass transit. Inherently dangerous machines that pollute the environment, compete with mass transit, that 90% of the adults in the country are licensed to operate. Definitely need to restrict the operation of these machines to a monopoly, you don’t know WHO will be driving on the streets if you let just anyone pick up a fare. Having a bunch of tiny monopolies providing crappy service isn’t doing anyone a favor, except the owner of the monopoly. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/56 "2015-03-03T21:22:55Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > Why haven’t they been prosecuted, then? In France, that’s exactly why the service has essentially been banned. It’s OK to carpool for free, but if you charge for the privilege you gotta get in with the taxicab licensing laws and such. Which Uber emphatically declined to (their public statement essentially boiling down to “We’ve decided we don’t fall under taxi laws in any country we’re in, we’re not about to make a special regime for France”). I’m not really familiar with Uber but I’m pretty OK with that ruling because I can’t really see how they differ from any other taxi service, besides the “crowdsourcing” shtick. ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/57 "2015-03-03T21:26:49Z")
> [@LurkerInNJ](#): > > And where in this link does it specifically mention the New Delhi rape story and THAT specific reporter being threatened? > > Hint: It doesn’t. That’s ridiculous. Because a woman in the U.S. talks about Uber-driver rape it doesn’t count? The entire story is predicated on her writing that Uber is sexist and misogamist, for which an Uber exec threatened her, with more than a whiff of blackmail, for saying so. No Indian reporter or blogger said so, so it can’t be true. What are you? Eight years old? ---
**Author:** ![user\_hostile](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/user_hostile/32/474_2.png) [@user\_hostile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user_hostile)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/58 "2015-03-03T23:20:42Z")
> [@LurkerInNJ](#): > > In many states, New Jersey included, taxis are not required to have liability insurance for passengers so they do not because of the cost. Passengers are covered by their own health insurance. Well, a little research showed there’s more to the story: [Ride Sharing vs. Traditional Taxis](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christian-denmon/ride-sharing-vs-tradition_b_5273964.html). I stand corrected. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/59 "2015-03-03T23:44:07Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > :rolleyes: > > This is an idiotic argument. It’s essentially carpooling and chipping in for gas. Not “a criminal syndicate”. No. I agree whole-heartedly with **Smapti** on this one: Uber is a criminal enterprise that seeks to provide transportation services without going thru established procedures or rules. I am very happy that my state (Nevada) shut them down. Fuck Uber. If they want to play, play by the rules like everyone else does. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2015, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105/60 "2015-03-04T00:09:11Z")
> [@user\_hostile](#): > > Well, a little research showed there’s more to the story: [Ride Sharing vs. Traditional Taxis](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christian-denmon/ride-sharing-vs-tradition_b_5273964.html). > > I stand corrected. From your link: > [@](#): > > However, the reality is that Lyft and Uber provide massive mounts of insurance coverage for passengers personally than the coverage provided by taxi companies. The very same taxi companies leading the campaign claiming that ridesharing companies will leave you without coverage. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uber-uber-alles/714105.md?page=4)