“Becoming number one is easier than remaining number one.” Bill Bradley.
It is well said by a senator and an ex basketball player that it is not easy to maintain number one status. This can be applied to the recently started ride-sharing industry. It not only got into the competition with the taxi drivers and the cab companies, but also became the number one and is still holding that position. The taxi drivers have pushed through to compete with the ride-sharing industry, Uber specifically, on things like regulations, fees and access to O’Hare and Midway airports in Chicago, but they haven’t seen any growth in this battle. Ride-sharing services, like Uber, according to the taxi industry, are "the mafia of the roads." Taxi drivers are seen having tough time because of Uber, however, Uber is seen as a beneficial aspect for the public and people prefer it over the taxi for their daily commute and travel.
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Uber is mostly operated online and is very easy and convenient. It is basically a way to provide a ride to the one who needs it only at one click. It works in a quite simple way. Passengers use the Uber mobile app, set the destination, and the willing drivers around pick them up. Money is directly taken from the customer's account so no paying of overcharges or tips by riders and guaranteed appropriate pay for the driver. Moreover, it is simple to work with Uber and anyone, anytime can start working at a very minimal fee. What it takes to be an Uber driver is your car, mobile phone, and correct documents.
Uber is the smartest and the most economical ride, benefiting the society in all aspects. Whether it is customer service or economic service, it is always one step ahead of the taxis. Moreover, it takes nothing to become an Uber driver but it is a long, laborious and expensive procedure to become a taxi driver. In Chicago, even before you think of picking up a passenger, you have to get a separate driver’s license and an expensive taxi insurance. The cost is still bearable, however, according to some media research the hardest and the prominent part is getting the soul of the taxi "medallion." This is almost equal to the cost of buying a 2 bedroom apartment in Chicago. Even though thrown off by Uber and recorded falling medallion prices, the city is still not willing to lower the medallion price from $360,000. The cost operating as an Uber driver is entirely proportional to the amount of work you do. No membership, no monthly fees, just a minimal commission from the driver to the company.
Uber drivers have more advantages over taxi drivers. In order to make money usually taxi drivers, who cannot afford their own medallion, rent the taxis at high rates. Renting drains most of their income and limits their freedom. This treatment, however, is not new to the taxi drivers. There is not even an essence of all these problems for working with Uber. How to be your own boss is more illustrated by them.
Even defenders of taxis and cabs say that although for some drivers the apps create new economic opportunities, it is also leading to new financial risks by disrupting jobs in taxi driving business and lowering the value of cab license and medallion. The total gross impact of Uber’s operations on Chicago’s economy in 2013 was over $46 million. That activity is also associated with the equivalent of over 1,000 gross new jobs in Chicago in 2013.
Taxi drivers have been found questioning that weather this virtual app can let them earn their living. So, how much do Uber drivers actually earn? Driving can provide you a strong financial backing and you not only can become your own boss, but can make money like a boss. Uber provides only very general figures—some media reports claim an hourly rate of around $23 USD, which is what an average engineer or a business man can earn. In some markets Uber guarantee at least $15 USD, and $25 USD at peak times.
While the cab drivers, companies, owners of medallions have less control over the drivers and passengers riding, Uber tracks each moment of every single driver and the passenger riding in it. Uber is providing more jobs which means more tax payers and hence more economic growth. Uber is safer and more economical for the society. Now it is all your choice whether you want to be an obstruction in the way of your success or want to see yourself as well as the society growing and taking advantage of the advancement in the technology.
