Quote: (07-05-2013 03:13 PM)Sebastian Wrote:
well I can develop (pay someone to develop) this program. say you requested a ride on the app. It will show up to all registered drivers. (with location info). who ever tabs it first gets the customer. maybe I will charge 10~20 %.
The problem is, all drivers have to be registered? (private taxi is illegal right?), how about insurance?
Transporting human involves more legal problems...I think I'd rather use this for food delivery.
As a business, it's pretty complicated to get started. Uber had to fight legal battles in a number of cities as the taxicab comission (and the taxi driver's union) didn't like it at all as it was taking "their" business. I believe they had a massive fight in DC over this. It's going to get worse now that Uber is entering the taxi area (not just black town cars) with their UberTaxi service. Black cars usually fall under livery/hired car regulations, which are sometimes different from taxi regulations. Taxis are a whole different ballgame because in some cities (NYC - taxi medallions can go for $1million+ each) the supply is regulated, and often the price is regulated too.
Then if you started such a business, you'd need to spend big money on marketing as it's a new area and people just don't think much to even look for such a service.. or if they do, they'll think of Uber.
And yeah, insurance also, but that's almost a minor hassle compared to all the rest.