Learn about the crossover you never thought could happen: Uber & Taxicabs
Uber's invention was nearly a death wish for the traditional taxi cab service. Uber made its official New York City debut in 2011, and since its arrival locals and tourists alike had a front row seat to the decline of yellow taxis in every burrow. Similar to many things in the modern day, technology has introduced a new form of convenience to the consumer, and some long-established services have gone extinct as a by-product. Hailing a yellow cab was seen as a trademark in NYC, but Uber persistently tried to dismantle the taxi industry when it arrived to the scene. Uber's constant attack of the taxi industry brought years of turbulence to the New York streets. For lifelong New Yorkers, the traditional taxi cab service employed countless family members, so its decline was felt in households throughout the city.
In an unexpected union, Uber and NYC taxi cab drivers have made an unlikely alliance. After nearly a decade of disagreements and battling to control the streets, the two forces came together to mesh modern technology and tradition. This union was headed by Uber, Curb Mobility and Creative Mobile Technologies to add taxi cab drivers to Uber's ride hailing service. According to Amos Tamam, the CEO of Curb Mobility, this changes the way the consumer will travel because:
"The taxi technology companies say the deal is designed to give taxi drivers access to more potential customers. Today, New Yorkers can hail taxi cabs on the street, or through the companies’ apps, which only offer taxi rides. But Uber’s app already lives on many city residents’ and visitors’ phones. “I strongly believe that [the taxi industry] has much more room to grow."
Their new alliance accomplishes both the goals of providing more work for drivers and more options for the consumer. While some may assume this only assists the taxi cab industry, "Uber, meanwhile, gains access to nearly 14,000 new cars and their drivers, at a time when both might be in short supply" (Aarian Marshall). After coming out of the pandemic, Uber could use new drivers now more than ever. It is affiliations such as this that give hope for the future of merging tech and tradition in a way that benefits everyone involved. Curb Mobility and Creative Mobile Technologies hope to see Uber and taxi driver's union give new life to both the city and those who occupy it.
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I am very glad for this collaboration. When visiting NYC a few years ago I spoke with some cab drivers who were absolutely distraught... their income was diminishing and their medallions (some form of bond they purchase on their taxicab that is supposed to appreciate) was depreciating daily... destroying their savings. This collaboration appears to be getting some of the hardest working Americans back on track!
I think this is collab that no one knew we needed. Being from New York, I have witnessed the Taxi-Uber feud unfold first hand. It seems as though this is mutually beneficial for all parties and will facilitate getting a ride in an extremely dense and busy city, making it a little easier. Uber is strongly disliked in many cities and I have watched riots in Argentina cover the streets in smoke and fire in protest of this tech mogul. I am glad that they were able to come to an agreement and squash the beef.
I remember when the news about this issue first came out. It's really interesting that things finally are working out between the different companies, because that is a very competitive market and geolocation in general. I wonder more about how exactly this is done, and hope peoples jobs aren't effected.
This is a really smart business plan for Uber! I had no idea this was happening, I think that this could be very beneficial for both parties. I am wondering a few things-- is Uber is going to hire all these taxi-drivers as new employees or if they still work for NYC taxicabs using the same rates? Also how much will Uber be charging? I wonder if they will be taking a pay cut due to Uber fees.