Open AccessUber Takes the Passing Lane: Disruptive Competition and Taxi-Livery Service Regulations
Author(s) -
Allison Schneider
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
elements
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2380-6087
pISSN - 2378-0185
DOI - 10.6017/eurj.v11i2.9060
Subject(s) - modernization theory , futures studies , transformative learning , competition (biology) , courage , service (business) , order (exchange) , public service , public administration , political science , business , public relations , sociology , law , marketing , finance , ecology , pedagogy , artificial intelligence , computer science , biology
It is rare that municipalities have the opportunity to remake a significant portion of key infrastructure, and to do so without significant cost burden on the citizens. The advent of Uber and similar entities that have moved the ride-sharing concept into the 21st century provide that unique chance in the public transportation arena. However, cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are responding to Uber as a threat to established taxi-livery services and their accompanying regulatory structures rather than an opportunity for modernization. in order to capitalize on this transformative moment, cities and governments must rethink and address decades-old rules, regulations, and entrenched interests. The benefits to and acceptance by the public that surround the ride-sharing movement are unprecedented. Whether today's politicians and regulators have the courage and foresight to embrace this fundamental change will determine the long-term success and the meaningful evolution of our national transportation newtork.