Quote:
Originally Posted by PhotoJim
I wouldn't call it an entirely positive step. Taxi drivers in most provinces (if not all) need a professional driver's license (class 4 in Saskatchewan) which is harder to get (tougher road test, medical requirements) than a class 5. Vehicles are subject to regulra inspection as well, for safety. None of these are the case with Uber or Lyft.
I agree that there is an artificial scarcity of cabs in most cities (including Regina and Saskatoon) and this drives up the prices of them. On the other hand, as a Regina resident, I doubt I take a cab more than once every two years so the prices really don't affect me much. They are more of an issue when I travel.
In most markets, Uber and Lyft are intentionally breaking the rules to try to shake up the status quo... it's similar to some of the things services like AirBnB are doing. (Commercial lodging is much more regulated for reasons of public safety.) We're paying less, but we're getting less. I'm not entirely convinced it's good. In the meantime, I shop with my wallet and I use hotels and cabs, not AirBnB and Uber.
|
IMO, this is entirely a generational thing. As a millennial, I'm much more keen to spend less on lodging and transportation, and spend more on shopping, food and experiences. I frequently use AirBnB and Uber-- spending less and "getting less" is more than okay with me. Although I don't even agree you're getting less, particularly in the case of Uber. It's faster, trackable, nicer cars, can pay on your phone, read/write reviews etc.
Traveling with my parents, or hearing of their travels, they couldn't be bothered to figure out how Uber works, or have the patience to meet up with an Air BnB host to get the keys for their accommodations, let alone share a space with the homeowners if you're not booking an entire house/apartment.
Obviously I can't speak for all millennials (and I don't know how old you are hah), but I would say with confidence, that the majority of my generation agrees.