These days, most people in Boston are familiar with Uber, Lyft, and possible other so-called ride sharing companies. For those that are not aware, you call for a ride on your smart phone via the company’s app and are told how long it will take for a driver to get to you. You generally have a choice as to whether you want a black car similar to what people take to the airport for business trips or if you want a regular marked taxi, or a private vehicle driven by one of the company’s non-professional drivers.
As one might expect, this new business model makes licensed taxi drivers and other professional drivers and their respective employers very upset because it was costing them a lot of business. They were also arguing that the new drivers did not need to pass official background checks or show a knowledge of the area and how to get to places around the city. For example, many cab drivers are required to pass a map test whereas many Uber drivers clearly have no idea where they are going without assistance from the customer. Continue reading