Uber Turns to Saudi Arabia for $3.5B Cash Infusion

Re:Uber Turns to Saudi Arabia for $3.5B Cash Infusion by cmurf on Wednesday June 01, 2016 @10:23PM (#11819930)

Taxis are a kind of public transit. So call me skeptical if Uber manages to sink taxis and this is part of their long term strategy, because unless they have enough money to become the sovereign in their dominant markets, they're going to end up being regulated by the local government should they supplant taxis.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Uber Turns to Saudi Arabia for $3.5B Cash Infusion by CydeWeys on Wednesday June 01, 2016 @10:55PM (#11820054)

I know what point you're trying to make, but taxis are explicitly not public transit. Busses, trains, planes, ferries, etc., are all public transit, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately owned. For-hire taxis, coaches, limousines, private jets, etc., are all private transport.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Uber Turns to Saudi Arabia for $3.5B Cash Infusion by codecamper on Thursday June 02, 2016 @09:48AM (#11822397)

Interesting. I think this is a very valid point.

Eventually governments will get wise to the fact that this is not magic. Just a new way to dial up a ride.

Governments didn't allow individuals to install a radio into their private car & drive around making rides. Why should they allow the same just because you have a smartphone?

[ Parent | on HN ]