San Antonio is correct in seeking comp & collision coverage. Uber drivers do not have to undergo the same stringent requirements that are required of cab drivers. After researching the issue myself, here is what cab drivers undergo before becoming a cab driver where I live: Face-to-face interview to insure the person is articulate, neat and clean; criminal background check, driver’s license check, physical, drug test, pass the CPR course. They must pay the tax to the city to receive the taxi permit, they undergo one week of on-the-job training by a cab company supervisor. The rates are set by local government. Uber drivers sweep in for big events, over charge for trips to tourists who do not know taxi rates. Cities write contracts with cab companies for minimal amounts so indigent Medicaid patients can be transported. Almost every cab driver has to take at least two “voucher” calls a day – and the rate basically just covers gas. Taxis must be inspected for safety and cleanliness twice a week – if the Uber car break pads are bad or tires going bald – who is inspecting the Uber car? Taxi drivers are not getting rich. They are just making a living. They volunteer on holidays to take the Meals on Wheels dinners so the other volunteers can be with their families. When Uber drives the regular cab companies out of businss – you can expect to pay more, have less safety, and I guess those Medicaid patients will be fending for themselves since the cities know they cannot provide all those trips to patients going to so many appointments cheaper than the cab drivers are doing. There is more to being a taxi driver than meets the eye.
San Antonio is correct in seeking comp & collision coverage. Uber drivers do not have to undergo the same stringent requirements that are required of cab drivers. After researching the issue myself, here is what cab drivers undergo before becoming a cab driver where I live: Face-to-face interview to insure the person is articulate, neat and clean; criminal background check, driver’s license check, physical, drug test, pass the CPR course. They must pay the tax to the city to receive the taxi permit, they undergo one week of on-the-job training by a cab company supervisor. The rates are set by local government. Uber drivers sweep in for big events, over charge for trips to tourists who do not know taxi rates. Cities write contracts with cab companies for minimal amounts so indigent Medicaid patients can be transported. Almost every cab driver has to take at least two “voucher” calls a day – and the rate basically just covers gas. Taxis must be inspected for safety and cleanliness twice a week – if the Uber car break pads are bad or tires going bald – who is inspecting the Uber car? Taxi drivers are not getting rich. They are just making a living. They volunteer on holidays to take the Meals on Wheels dinners so the other volunteers can be with their families. When Uber drives the regular cab companies out of businss – you can expect to pay more, have less safety, and I guess those Medicaid patients will be fending for themselves since the cities know they cannot provide all those trips to patients going to so many appointments cheaper than the cab drivers are doing. There is more to being a taxi driver than meets the eye.