I don’t think they could a few years ago, Boro taxis were ridiculously cheap.
But as has been said above, the prices have been rising steadily and are probably now at Uber levels
Uber taxis arriving in Stockton
- Thread starter the_holgate_roof
- Start date
I don’t think they could a few years ago, Boro taxis were ridiculously cheap.
But as has been said above, the prices have been rising steadily and are probably now at Uber levels
BlindBoyGrunt
Well-known member
They're all self employed people using their own vehicles. If there is intimidation from Boro taxis they can't call on London and New York to help them out and throwing money at it won't be any good.
masquesmog
Well-known member
Uber in Brazil had a battle (literally, drivers were being attacked by those of the 2 dominant firms in São Paulo) when first introduced in 2014.
Now, it is universally seen as a good thing, with even safety being cited. São Paulo state also changed the regs quite early to give drivers employee rights.
7 years of Uber in Brasil
Of course your "UK" app works there, as it does globally.
I am sure the market can't be more difficult to enter in Stockton.
One thing with Uber. The tip on the app is capped, and I am not convinced it all goes to the driver. You can tip directly with cash if you want to go over the Uber cap.
Now, it is universally seen as a good thing, with even safety being cited. São Paulo state also changed the regs quite early to give drivers employee rights.
7 years of Uber in Brasil
Of course your "UK" app works there, as it does globally.
I am sure the market can't be more difficult to enter in Stockton.
One thing with Uber. The tip on the app is capped, and I am not convinced it all goes to the driver. You can tip directly with cash if you want to go over the Uber cap.
The_Lizards_Jumpers
Well-known member
You dont think they can use the lobbying, marketing and legal powers of the Uber organisation ? You really think that this will be the first time Uber have encountered a town/city with a taxi monopoly that they will just be unable to cope with ?
This is a company that has gone from £0 to £9bn in 15 years, a few plastic gangsters are not going to prevent them making inroads into Teesside if they want it enough.
ThatFragranceGuy
Well-known member
Prices have been weird with Uber
Last night;
Uber from Ingleby to Boro £11
Uber from Ingleby to Stockton £22
Today Boro £13 Stockton £10
I know there is surge pricing etc but presume Boro is further away?
Last night;
Uber from Ingleby to Boro £11
Uber from Ingleby to Stockton £22
Today Boro £13 Stockton £10
I know there is surge pricing etc but presume Boro is further away?
I'd love them to succeed - I hate Boro Taxis - But the companies revenue doesn't make a difference.
Boro have done it before; they drop the price to take rival companies out of business, which is how they now own the monopoly.
It's not Uber vs. Boro financially. It's Boro as a company vs. the individual drivers who drive cars for Uber.
The_Lizards_Jumpers
Well-known member
You do realise that Uber, the company, set the pricing via the app rather than the individual drivers ?
As I've said, do you really believe Uber have not come across this before as part of their growth, or that Boro taxis are just so powerful that Uber will not be able to cope?
This isn't them taking Charlies Taxi's out of business, this is Uber a global ride share platform.
Uber do set the pricing. But do you really think they'll get into a price war? - Uber will set the price. Boro will see the price, and go lower.
It's not about Boro being "so powerful". Uber have failed in loads of cities all over the world. Do you really believe Uber care if they're successful or not in Stockton-on-Tees?
TheBlueButterfly
Well-known member
My best mate worked for Uber last time they made an appearance and encountered some 'dodgy' antics from certain other companies. Upon contacting Uber they basically told him there wasn't a great deal they could do and if it got worse to contact the Police. He soon figured it just wasn't worth the hassle.
Exactly this. Uber don't care about their business in Stockton-on-Tees. Unfortunately for us... Boro Taxis do. There will only be one winner.
SilentProf
Well-known member
One reason for the price increases and surge pricing at Boro is that they weren’t able to get enough drivers especially during peak hours. If they cut prices to try to price Uber out, that won’t please the drivers who might just jump ship to Uber where they don’t have to pay for access before they start earning. Even then, Uber can afford to sit out any price cuts from Boro for as long as they need to. We all benefit from the competition keeping prices down in the meantime.
The_Lizards_Jumpers
Well-known member
Nonsense Ash88 has spoken, Dara Khosrowshai will go to his deathbed knowing that Middlesbrough was that one nut he couldn't crack, such is the power of Boro Taxis.
SilentProf
Well-known member
Their recruitment info says drivers get to keep all tips.
London_Boro
Well-known member
I'd rather walk than get a Boro cab. I would definitely pay a few quid more to use someone else.
We had a bit of chew with one of their minibus drivers years ago (Mid 90s). A lad who was with us got into a row with him and it turned ugly (I didn't really know this lad, a cousin of someone who was with our group I think), the driver radio'd loads of his mates and they turned up, around another 4-5 cars, hitting anyone who was in the vicinity. A girl we were with got hit in the head with a tyre lever and ended up in A&E.
They even battered one lad who was simply walking down the same street and assumed he was with us.
We had a bit of chew with one of their minibus drivers years ago (Mid 90s). A lad who was with us got into a row with him and it turned ugly (I didn't really know this lad, a cousin of someone who was with our group I think), the driver radio'd loads of his mates and they turned up, around another 4-5 cars, hitting anyone who was in the vicinity. A girl we were with got hit in the head with a tyre lever and ended up in A&E.
They even battered one lad who was simply walking down the same street and assumed he was with us.
Lot's of nuts Uber hasn't been able to crack... There's one just up the road in Sunderland. Just because Uber "exists" in a location doesn't mean it's successful in it.
Corcaigh_the_Cat
Well-known member
Jump on a bus.
atypical_boro
Well-known member
Its not just price though, its ease of booking and availability of cars isn't it?
Uber take a big cut from their staff but they also don't charge them £X00 a week to lease a vehicle etc. I presume Boro Taxis still operate to that model?
If so, they'll be losing plenty of the more casual staff who just want to work a few hours a week, and Uber will also be gaining a load of firemen and what not who just want to do a few hours in a cab to top up their earnings on their days off. If availability is high they will crush Boro Taxis (unless they lower their prices).