End of Taxi Long-Hauling?
Started by NYCnVegas on Tuesday, 26th February 2013 10:09 am
Saw this article in the Las Vegas Sun.
http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/jan/04/new-technology-could-put-end-taxicab-long-hauling/
We've all known about this for a while and I've said "no tunnel" more times that I can count, always with a driver protest. Maybe this will put an end to it all finally....
we can dream
vespajet responded on Tuesday, 26th February 2013
The thing is that not all of the cab companies are onboard with this and one of them, Yellow Checker Star has tried to stop Frias' pilot program claiming that they didn't follow state regulations regarding competitive bids (Frias claims that since they're paying for the pilot program and will be using their cabs, the NRS covering competitive bids does not apply.).
http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2013/feb/25/las-vegas-cab-company-opposes-pilot-program-stop-l/
What will end it completely will be autonomous cars. Google is doing some very interesting tests with them and Nevada was the first state to issue license plates for autonomous vehicles (but the regulations allowing such vehicles for testing there require someone in the driver's seat as well as the front passenger seat). Self-driving taxis would be the dream of many taxi companies as they would love to not have to deal with their drivers and be able to pocket more $$$.
stevie replied on Tuesday, 26th February 2013
A flat rate to the strip hotels would also put a stop to the nonsense, but I think we both know it will never happen.
JakeDAnders responded on Wednesday, 27th February 2013
It is amusing that people will pay $100+ to get into a club, or spend $8 on a beer at a pool, and think that getting long hauled will completely break their bank. I'm not saying it's right, but it is ironic.
stevie replied on Wednesday, 27th February 2013
I won't pay $100 to get into a club, but I will to get in a limo. As for the beer at the pool, I'll pay $8 for it if that's what it costs, because every one will be the same price. I'm not worried about "breaking my bank". I used to tip honest cab drivers very generously when I used taxis. Since the honest drivers are now a rarity, I only use limos and I think it's worth every penny.
JakeDAnders replied on Wednesday, 27th February 2013
Like I said, I don't think it's right to get long-hauled. Just seems like a battle that will rage forever. Meantime, there are alternatives (like limos). It'd be interesting to find out how much these technology solutions cost and what that will do to cab fares. I'd think the customer will end up paying for them.
Geoff replied on Wednesday, 27th February 2013
it's not that i can't afford the extra couple bucks, since most of the time i give a hefty tip, it's that the cab driver is stealing from me by long hauling. should the cashier at walgreens ring up my gatorade for $5 instead of $2 because i can afford it?
thebig747 responded on Wednesday, 27th February 2013
As far as long hauling is concerned, I'm over it. If I get long hauled, I don't give a tip. I'm a decent tipper, so the total out of pocket evens out. It's just not worth the bother and bad karma. I'm there to have fun, not get in a fight with someone upon my arrival in Vegas. A flat rate per destination would make sense though.