Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Surfiswhereufindit t1_j6chte5 wrote

The whole concept of “ride-sharing” these tech platforms is one of the most deplorable, problematic ideas/realities capitalism has ever hit us with. It’s awful for all involved in the process except for the billionaire tech Bros who own these companies. Years ago, it was common knowledge to never ever get into a vehicle with a stranger. Now folks not only get into a vehicle with a stranger, they give the stranger a location device as to where they are, and where they live and are staying. It’s insanity. The stories at the Jersey Shore in the summer about college bar hoppers having incidents with Uber and Lyft drivers get worse every year. (As well there are honest good hearted drivers being assaulted by passengers). I know in some parts of NJ calling a taxi or taxi van business is not easy. At least at the Shore area, there are countless taxi van companies that have fleets of vehicles with experienced locals who have worked for these companies for years.

0

Sad-Sentence4881 t1_j6crtc1 wrote

How is it different from a traditional taxi? The idea of getting into a car with a stranger is the same. The stranger knowing where you're staying is the same. Taxi drivers get assaulted and robbed all the time. I would think this is safer than a traditional taxi for driver and passenger because it ties them both to a real identity with the device. The victim can easily show police who was the driver or passenger. They can share that same info on social media, like they did here. The real benefit of using a taxi instead, is supporting a local company instead of an exploitive corporation.

59

dickprompt t1_j6cxoxm wrote

If you own a house your address is google-able now a days. It’s public record.

17

Surfiswhereufindit t1_j6csp5z wrote

I can only speak of using a taxi van company at the Jersey Shore -specifically coastal Monmouth and Ocean counties. The local taxi companies are comprised of employees that are local, that know the areas quite well. They are held responsible by company owners that have actual phone numbers with actual dispatchers you can call at anytime if there is a problem. These are companies that are endorsed by local police departments and borough councils. They build relationships with the towns. Regular customers of these companies get to know the drivers’ faces and have the choice to use another van or even other company with many options. Most taxi vans accommodate larger groups. In terms of traffic safety, it makes much more sense for your group of 10 people to use a company with 12 and 15-passenger vans than the classic “stuff 10 people in a Honda Accord” stunt. I can go on and on here about how and why using a taxi van company makes so much more sense than Lyft and Uber, but I’m assuming you get the point. Safer. Safer. Far more sensical.

12

Sad-Sentence4881 t1_j6cumg7 wrote

I can see where that works in smaller communities most of the year. I assume (and I stress assume) in the shore communities they have to hire temporary seasonal employees that would change year to year just like most industries there. They wouldn't keep the same employee numbers in January that they would in July.

8

Surfiswhereufindit t1_j6cvglk wrote

You are mostly correct. These companies do run year round and in the fall-winter-spring (pre-MDW) usually bring people to airports, weddings, concerts, Giants-Jets-Yankees-Mets, etc games). The staff doubles from MDW to LDW. But, These “seasonal drivers” have been driving for these companies for years upon years. It’s actually very hard to get this summer job because many of the companies have longtime veteran working staffs. You’ll find a lot of the summer drivers are teachers from the local Jersey Shore school districts simply working a side-hustle to support their own children. These are mature adults who have so much to lose if they were to pull some of the things that some Uber and Lyft drivers do (not saying all Uber and Lyft drivers are bad). Bottom line: when you use a taxi van company you are getting accountability, safety, and local knowledge. And oh yeah… no price gouging or random “surges” the ride share tech Bros pull off.

2

onlyme1984 t1_j6cn3gi wrote

I don’t use Lyft or Uber unless it’s my only option and I can count all of my rides on one hand. You can use the service without having to give all of your info. I’ve never given my home address and got picked up and dropped off close enough to walk but far enough that the driver is gone by the time I get to my house. Precise location access isn’t required so I keep that turned off. You’re given a pic of the driver along with vehicle description prior to pick up so if anything doesn’t match when they arrive you shouldn’t get in the car. You can share your location with family or friends and they can literally watch you’re every move going from point A to point B. Im still weirded out about the idea but these added features do help in trying to keep both riders and drivers safe.

13

DerSturmbannfuror t1_j6f72gr wrote

Otoh, I've used Lyft & Uber on multiple occasions and would recommend them over a taxi every day of the week. Anywhere you are, you should be aware of your surroundings

5

JeromePowellAdmirer t1_j6ib9o7 wrote

I've literally never seen this opposition to Uber and Lyft before. It's taxis that are sketchy as fuck. A lot of these people are living in a world of 30 years ago that doesn't exist now.

2

Surfiswhereufindit t1_j6cpwq2 wrote

I hear ya. You’re doing everything possible and sensical to stay safe. At the same time, how deplorable is this ride-sharing industry that one would have to go through all these precautions for a ride? Hopefully many take the same approach you do when having no other options, but using Uber or Lyft.

−8

Rude-Bison-2050 t1_j6fy70a wrote

Only shitty cabbies actually believe this nonsense dude. If you ever order a can they have just as much info.

5

guacamole579 t1_j6czj4a wrote

I used to rely on taxi services when I was younger and living in a small city in NJ, because we didn’t own a car. You are absolutely correct about the difference between an Uber/Lyft and a taxi service. The taxi service needs to have proper approvals and licenses from the municipal government in order to establish a business. Their employees also need to be on the books and background checked with good driving history. When I relied on taxi services I knew most of the drivers that picked me up and I never felt unsafe. The dispatcher even knew our names. When I visit my old hood I still see a couple retired drivers because they lived where they worked.

There’s a reason cities do not want Uber/Lyft operating within their jurisdiction. Drivers are not background checked, drivers are also exploited by these companies and the gig economy which is complete bullshit.

I have told my neighbor to stop letting his teenage daughter take an Uber home, especially since I work in town and have the flexibility to pick up my kids, I could pick his up as well without any burden. I still see her coming in and out of the Uber and it terrifies me.

2

JeromePowellAdmirer t1_j6iaccf wrote

This the most Karen comment I've ever read. I'm way more scared getting into some beat up taxi than a modern Uber/Lyft with a digital location record and location sharing and driver's name. How about you stop worrying about your neighbor's parenting decisions. I know I'd be annoyed if I couldn't even see my daughter come home every day without someone yelling from across the street about how bad a parent I am.

2

Surfiswhereufindit t1_j6d4tbb wrote

And again, just to be clear here… in my other comments I am not trying to say that ALL Uber and Lyft drivers are horrible humans. Majority of them are honest hard working folks trying to make ends meet in our brutal corrupted economic system in this country. And they also are victims of this horrible heartless gig economy where only the millionaires and billionaires who run the industry prosper. Doordash and the like are just as awful to the workers.

The entire ride share industry needs to be abolished. I’m not holding my breath on that ever happening.

0

Rude-Bison-2050 t1_j6fyboq wrote

Ah so confirmed a cabbie whose bad service is running them outta a job

2

JeromePowellAdmirer t1_j6ib43w wrote

So you want to make me pay $30 extra every time I need to go to the airport for a WORSE experience? Not happening.

2