I haven't used it yet, but after the taxi strike I installed it too! I'm not sure the taxi drivers thought their actions through that well
Payment setup worked for me, but I suspect they were a little busy yesterday, so could have been a glitch. I think Grim... had payment problems before though?

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All I know about this is that it's pissing taxi drivers off.

How does the app work and what does it do that I can't do without the app?

They never had a monopoly. The only thing black cabs could do that minicabs couldn't was pick up someone with their arm stuck out. You could always call a minicab, which is exactly what you're doing with Uber - it's just a really nice convenient way to do it.

They never had a monopoly. The only thing black cabs could do that minicabs couldn't was pick up someone with their arm stuck out. You could always call a minicab, which is exactly what you're doing with Uber - it's just a really nice convenient way to do it.

The issue seems to be that Uber taxis are not currently subject to the same regulation/laws that regular taxis are.

As far as I can tell, the laws are only around the use of meters and some vague talk of "extra training" for dealing with being hailed from the street. As a customer, I don't see why I should give a shit about the former; as someone who drives some times, I have no idea what the latter could even involve. I'm not one of these hipster "all industry disruption by tech guys is automatically good" Silicon Valley types but so far the cabbies aren't winning me over.

If anyone can point to legislative differences that might make me less safe when being a passenger in an Uber than when I am in a minican or a taxi, then I'll pay attention. But I don't believe that exists.

As far as I can tell, the laws are only around the use of meters and some vague talk of "extra training" for dealing with being hailed from the street. As a customer, I don't see why I should give a shit about the former; as someone who drives some times, I have no idea what the latter could even involve. I'm not one of these hipster "all industry disruption by tech guys is automatically good" Silicon Valley types but so far the cabbies aren't winning me over.

If anyone can point to legislative differences that might make me less safe when being a passenger in an Uber than when I am in a minican or a taxi, then I'll pay attention. But I don't believe that exists.

They never had a monopoly. The only thing black cabs could do that minicabs couldn't was pick up someone with their arm stuck out. You could always call a minicab, which is exactly what you're doing with Uber - it's just a really nice convenient way to do it.

I was playing with this to see how much a taxi would cost from work to LHR

When I entered the pickup and drop off (via Iphone) it booked the cab which I then had to quickly cancel.

shinning Mercs with bottles of free water.

I did find a quote button on the app, the prices are around twice as much as our "executive" car service which are always nice Mercs with bottles of free water.

Luxe.

(Joke with an audience of one there, I suspect)

Taxi related:

I want to complain or take revenge on a taxi, for it ripped off my folks the other night. They ordered the cab from the hotel bar to take us literally a few hundred feet. They wouldn't have needed one but for the fact that they are old and my Dad's knees aren't up to even a five minute walk. We ordered it for a quarter to seven, but it arrived about twenty minutes early. We told the guy it was early, and he waited.

Eventually we got the cab, though it didn't fit us all in, so my bro-in-law and I walked. We beat the cab there, it was so close.

Anyway, they meet us there, and there seems to be some confusion, but by the time I get there (other side of the road) it's all sorted and he's driven off. I get the license plate just in case.

So, it turns out that this arse has charged my Dad 35 quid! 35 quid for a five minute ride! WTF?!

To be honest, I'm amazed he paid it as he would normally flip out at such things, but I guess that's getting old for you.

I was fuming, but let it slide as we were about to have a lovely meal and there was nothing we could do about it at the time.

They (my folks) spoke to the hotel when they got back and were told there was nothing they could do about it (hmmmmm).

So, I do have the license plate, and was wondering if that would allow me to find who to complain to about this horrific thievery gouging assholeishness.

Offered drugs

That's a feature, not a bug.

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I'm not convinced it's especially bad - if it were a normal black cab there was little Riles could do unless he noted down the number, and even then his £15 would probably be gone.

He got his money back and the driver was removed from Uber's books, and in less than a week.

Do Hailo even screen the drivers?

This is starting to sound like a great company:

http://t.co/ggiFdGMYyr

The ridesharing turf wars have since heated up, with back-to-back statements from both companies. An Uber representative has responded to the accusations to the New York Times, stating:

Lyft then fought back against the claims of wanting to be acquired, stating:

"From my first day at City Hall I have been determined to drive up standards and improve safety for every passenger in London, while protecting the future of our iconic black cabs that provide a unique and invaluable service for Londoners."

Uber loses its licence in London (appeals a-go-go).
Might read the ruling in depth. I'm kind of torn: love the idea of the app, but if they are seriously breaching the regulations, then yes they should lose it.

Not going to please millions of people who can't get a ride, however.

21 Days left to appeal and they can still operate during this time, BBC doesn't have any info as to why at this point.