An article in a local Bristol newspaper explaining the effort stated, “drivers will now be expected to use a combination of common sense and courtesy to negotiate the junction of the town’s High Street, Wyndam Way and The Cabstand.”
http://thecityfix.com/blog/naked-streets-without-traffic-lig...
"Removing Roads and Traffic Lights Speeds Urban Travel"
Another kind of anarchy could actually speed travel as well—namely, a counterintuitive traffic design strategy known as shared streets. The practice encourages driver anarchy by removing traffic lights, street markings, and boundaries between the street and sidewalk. Studies conducted in northern Europe, where shared streets are common, point to improved safety and traffic flow.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/removing-roads-and...
1. Download the app 2. Enter code LOSANGELES (works nationwide) 3. Request and enjoy your free ride 4. Repeat on another phone to ride again free
That's like saying we should regulate the price of milk because the grocery store cash register might charge you something different than the price you saw on the shelf. There are plenty of consumer protections already in place to punish that kind of deception.
And who's going to spot if the Uber app incorrectly calculates distances, skimming a couple bucks off each rider? This is why taxis have regulations for approved taximeters. That's an existing taxi regulation that clearly should also apply to Uber. Same as how scales used in trade have to be validated.
If this is being used by thousands of riders a day, I would wager it would be spotted fairly quickly. Is there good reason to imagine otherwise?
Before regulation taxis were experts at scamming and scheming their way into higher fares. I'm not sure why you think Uber, who outwardly admits profit is their only motive, won't use similar tricks if it benefits their bottom line. Or any number of similar copy cat services that will arrive if the Uber model finally does replace taxis.