Sorry, I'm not sure I get your last point: are you saying the black cab drivers selectively take cash, or don't as a whole? I've never paid for an Uber with cash, so I'm struggling ti understand the argument you're making, because seemingly Uber wouldn't take cash either...
Black cabs almost exclusively take cash, they'll take you to an ATM if you only have card.
That's not true. Around 50% currently take cards. [1] If you get in one that doesn't take cards, don't ask, then they will likely take you to an ATM.
Anyway, by October this year they will all take cards. [1]
[1] https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2016/februa...
Fair enough, but again, YMMV. Agreed that black cabs in London are even more awful, but its much easier to find a ride, which is the core idea. When Uber in London provides the same level of service as it does in Dallas, NYC or Paris... then it will have taken over. Right now it's just competing.
My experience a couple years ago, is that the cab driver WOULD NOT accept anything but cash. In fact he went as far as to say most do not, and I was stuck driving around looking for an ATM on my way to Heathrow Express.
As of Feb 2016, around 50% of cabs accepted cards. By October, all will be required to accept cards (with no surcharge). https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2016/februa...
Well that is much more reasonable. I must have been there just before it.
Re:How Uber conquered London
by forgetsusername on Tuesday May 03, 2016 @06:07PM
(#11624647)
The fact that he's had bad experiences is "100% incorrect", huh?
I've spent several thousand pounds via work on Uber. This has resulted in 2-3 bad trips (which round out to 0.02%).
- Quick pick up times - Usually responsive and helpful drivers (no complaining) - Helpful carrying heavy items (almost 100% of the time) - Cheap fees - Bill splitting is easy no friction - UberPool does make me slightly nervous
The service works and is default for myself and 100s of business users, personally it works well too esp for date night.
In comparison, London Black Cab drivers are rude, racist, crass, willing to rip you off and take advantage of you. They do not have their cars auditing a lot of the time, refusal to take cash is unacceptable in this day and age and should be in place in ALL taxis. There is no excuse for this.