The Transportation Wars: Nevada’s Anti-Uber Movement Defeated
Starting in September, Uber was granted permission to begin its ride hailing service in the great city of Las Vegas. This decision was not easy to come by and represents the finale of a fight that lasted well over a year. So what was all the kerfuffle and what do consumers stand to gain? We take a look inside the transportation wars in America’s Playground.
What Is Uber?
Uber is a company based in California that uses an app on your smartphone in order to allow you to hail an Uber car. An Uber car is any car that is driven by an Uber driver (they use their own personal vehicles). Like taxis, Uber uses a meter that is monitored centrally and billed through your phone, so you never need to pay a driver directly. However, Uber also tends to charge more for high traffic areas and times. Similar companies like Lyft are also starting service in Las Vegas this year, too.
The Economic Concern
One of the arguments made against ride-hailing and ride-sharing apps comes from the taxi union of Nevada. The argument goes that these services are unfair competition for regular cab drivers in Las Vegas, Reno, and other major cities. Uber drivers, for example, aren’t subject to the same regulations, rates, or restrictions as conventional drivers.
The Safety Concern
The other argument comes from the fact that Uber drivers aren’t required to be specially licensed or trained in any way. They simply need a driver’s license. In a setting like Las Vegas Boulevard South, for instance, drivers could be reckless or downright dangerous. Time will tell.
