Arguments were made out of
desperation, this was clear. It’s understandable to feel threatened. It’s
understandable to be afraid.
This fear, however, is the
very thing that’s holding our city back from being all it’s trying to be. But
on the other hand, this fear is what helps us hold true to our roots and
culture. Compromise and flexibility are the keys to finding a solution to this
ongoing generational and technological battle – but that may be too much
to ask in a fast-growing city.
Safety was, inevitably, a
major issue during the forum. The accusations and assumptions were radical, to
say the least. No matter what form of transportation is used, a safety risk is
being taken. Cabs. Limos. Uber. Lyft. You’re putting your life in another’s
hands. One woman taxi driver commented on the extra effort it would take to
contact a distant Lyft manager or CEO about dangerous situations customers may
encounter. If a person truly felt threatened, it seems quite ridiculous to
focus on the administrative direction of an angry email. If a man or woman is
assaulted or gets ripped off, they should contact the police. It is known that
a few incidents have occurred under Lyft’s watch, but similar problems exist
with cab drivers.
Having more certifications
or training doesn’t make a dangerous person any less dangerous. Standard safety
precautions are taken to become a Lyft/Uber driver. These customers and drivers
know the risks, just as the cab drivers and their customers know and accept
them.
Rideshare opponents touched
on the exclusivity and/or discrimination that comes with only being able to
book a Lyft using a smartphone. How will their poor, old, tech-challenged
grandmother get to her doctor’s appointment if she can’t event open the app and
utilize the very service they’re opposing? The confusion sets in. Are they
proposing that Lyft/Uber improve their services to snag that clientele as well?
So grandma can be fortunate enough catch a ride with these so-called “invaders?”
It’s a niche market that these rideshare mobile applications serve, they aren’t
looking to take over the entire vehicle for hire market.
Most that spoke against the
TNCs made Lyft and Uber out to be these big businesses stepping on the little
guy, stealing jobs and ruining lives. To me, these services are the ones
being bullied by the big city cab corporations that are too stubborn to share.
They’re creating jobs, and helping others get to theirs.
The reality of it all is that these services
are aimed towards a certain demographic. The downtowners, urbanites, college
students, and locals who need a “Lyft” from point A to point B. They don’t want
to be waiting for an overpriced cab ride that lasts a fraction of the time they
spent waiting for it. The cab drivers wouldn’t be running scared if they could
compete with this level of service. This fit that the taxi industry is throwing
is just giving Lyft and Uber some well-deserved advertisement.
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