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A comment on Uber, Maker of Summon-a-Car App, Wins in Washington. Parent comment

Re:Uber, Maker of Summon-a-Car App, Wins in Washington by twelve45 on Wednesday July 11, 2012 @01:49AM (#4227943)
I believe Uber simply sub-contracts to independent sedan drivers who have already jumped through all the necessary governmental hoops - it's not a dispatching system for gypsy cabs. The drivers I spoke to in my city (SF) said that they simply use Uber as an additional source of income.

This is certainly the case with their new "Uber X" service as well that got into trouble in DC - the only difference is that they dispatch hybrids from their partners vs. towncars / SUVs.

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Re:Uber, Maker of Summon-a-Car App, Wins in Washington by saurik on Wednesday July 11, 2012 @02:30AM (#4228045)
Private cars / limousines / independent sedans are not regulated the same way as taxi cabs under the specific assumption that they are scheduled in advance (which changes both the information and market dynamics, often involves specific drivers, and provides more opportunities for strong contracts to be in play); this is actually required by law in some jurisdictions, including DC.

> β€œIt happens to be D.C. law," Linton reiterated about the situation with Uber. "D.C. law prescribes that limousines must enter into an advance contract with the passenger.”

http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-on-foot/2012/01/the-kojo-show-b...

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Re:Uber, Maker of Summon-a-Car App, Wins in Washington by Symmetry on Wednesday July 11, 2012 @10:20AM (#4229285)
Why should whether the ride is scheduled in advance matter with respect to things like maintenance? And to the extent that they matter, isn't Uber in fact more like a limousine service than a taxi?
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