Uber

[ccrunner101]

I don't understand the rape/robbery concern. I know there is a risk, but no more than the risk of being raped or robbed by a bonded cabbie. It's not like the electronic paper trail wouldn't lead the cops right to the perp. Cabbies have a long history of raping, robbing and murdering their customers, so while the risk is there, it always has been. The risk is no greater with a Lyft driver than a bonded Checker or Yellow Cab driver.

Agreed. I guess everyone forgets this article. http://www.kansas.com/news/local/cri...le1136560.html

[KC Shox]

Most if not all, PAP policies have excluded coverage if one uses his personal auto for business purposes whether part or full time. I understand the government wanting to protect the owner/driver as Uber's insurance only covers the passenger. If an Uber driver who fails to read his PAP may be in a rude awakening if he gets into an accident and files a claim. He'll more than likely have his claim denied and may be cancelled due to underwriting guidelines deeming him a high risk driver. If nothing else, his premium will increase as his policy will have to be modified to address increased coverage. Uber probably isn't paying the driver extra to offset and compensate him for this increased cost in insurance.

[shocka khan]

I don't understand the rape/robbery concern. I know there is a risk, but no more than the risk of being raped or robbed by a bonded cabbie. It's not like the electronic paper trail wouldn't lead the cops right to the perp. Cabbies have a long history of raping, robbing and murdering their customers, so while the risk is there, it always has been. The risk is no greater with a Lyft driver than a bonded Checker or Yellow Cab driver.

It has more to do with having insurance to pay potential liability claims and less to do with the probability of becoming a victim. If Uber/Lyft do not require drivers to be bonded, they can rape or rob their customers and then claim they are a pauper when they get sued. Since the Uber/Lyft contract absolves them of liability, someone could potentially get raped and beat up, and have no avenue to collect medical or punitive damages.

We have had one instance of an Uber customer getting raped here in Houston. Based on my assessment of the facts, the lady was highly intoxicated, which resulted in her making some extremely poor decisions (she could not remember where she lived, for instance). On the other hand, the driver had a long rap sheet with a number of felonies and probably would not have been bondable.

This is a perfect example of Uber not performing adequate background checks on their drivers.

[MoValley John]

It has more to do with having insurance to pay potential liability claims and less to do with the probability of becoming a victim. If Uber/Lyft do not require drivers to be bonded, they can rape or rob their customers and then claim they are a pauper when they get sued. Since the Uber/Lyft contract absolves them of liability, someone could potentially get raped and beat up, and have no avenue to collect medical or punitive damages.

We have had one instance of an Uber customer getting raped here in Houston. Based on my assessment of the facts, the lady was highly intoxicated, which resulted in her making some extremely poor decisions (she could not remember where she lived, for instance). On the other hand, the driver had a long rap sheet with a number of felonies and probably would not have been bondable.

This is a perfect example of Uber not performing adequate background checks on their drivers.

This is a big "So what?" People get raped every day. People get murdered every day. People get robbed every day. I'm not condoning it, and I really do sympathize with victims, but we can't prevent everything. Uber and Lyft DO perfrm background checks. Uber and Lyft DO require that the vehicles used are inspected and insured. There is a very direc link between Uber and the drivers. If you get raped or robbed by a driver, the identity is known. Moreso, with Uber than with tradfition cab companies. The traditional cab company often "leases" the cab to their employee. It is not uncommon for a traditional cabbie to "sublease" his cab to an unbonded driver not affiliated with the cab company. Drivers that don't log long hours can sometimes owe more in lease fees than they make in fares, so, they let a buddy use the cab for a few days, and usually, nobody knows and nobody gets hurt. Sounds like a pretty big hole in liability and bondability to me.

As for liability, that really is a strawman. I want criminals caught, dealt with and taken off the streets. I'm not so concerned with victims being able to monetize their misery and unfair and painful life's misfortunes. Yes, it sucks, but why does everyone need to capitalize off of pain. Life is full of pain, the only way to avoid it is to stay in bed and cover yourself up with a blanket. Then again, you are screwed if the toaster in the kitchen shorts out and causes a fire. Also, if you stay in bed forever, you're gonna get a bedsore. I guess then you sue Serta.

[Play Angry]

It has more to do with having insurance to pay potential liability claims and less to do with the probability of becoming a victim. If Uber/Lyft do not require drivers to be bonded, they can rape or rob their customers and then claim they are a pauper when they get sued. Since the Uber/Lyft contract absolves them of liability, someone could potentially get raped and beat up, and have no avenue to collect medical or punitive damages.

I believe courts would deem rape and murder to be an act outside the scope of employment in a torts suit against the parent company for vicarious liability.

The best claim would often be for negligence in hiring, which has always been available.

[shocka khan]

OK, gloss over the part about background checks if you want, but read this. It looks like Uber wasn't really interested in seeing this guy get arrested. Also note the two links to articles in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/o-t-lounge/houston-uber---driver-charged-with-rape/56378117/

"Story released on April 6th about an Uber driver in Houston, Duncan Burton, who has been charged with sexually assaulting an unconscious female passenger. As part of the investigation, the City discovered that Burton did not posses a valid Houston transportation permit and additionally that Uber allowed Burton to continue to work for two months following the alleged assault.

The story gets better though. Turns out the esteemed Mr. Burton passed the Uber administered background check despite having serving 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

City officials here in Houston seem to have their jimmies quite rustled by the situation. "

[_kai_]

What I find the funniest is that the people who seem to be in favor of regulations on Uber or Uber just leaving, are ones who have never used the service. Or better yet, never used a cab, and see what the alternative to Uber or Lyft is.

[shocka khan]

I'd rather ride in a dirty cab with a bonded driver, but I admit I've never used Uber. I'm not interested in saving a couple of bucks measured against the potential risk.

When they fix their onboarding procedures, I'll rethink my position, as many people I know have had good experiences.

[ShockdaWorld]

I've never used Uber, although everyone I know that has loved it and had very good experiences. On the other hand, I have been in several cabs in Wichita, and if I was choosing between those cabs (and their drivers) and the unknown that is Uber, I would choose the unknown that is Uber.

[_kai_]

I'd rather ride in a dirty cab with a bonded driver, but I admit I've never used Uber. I'm not interested in saving a couple of bucks measured against the potential risk.

When they fix their onboarding procedures, I'll rethink my position, as many people I know have had good experiences.

My experience with Uber: Use an app to order your service, you immediately see how long it will take to be picked up, how much your fare will be to your destination, a picture of your driver, their phone number to text or to call them to let them possibly know where exactly you are (IE we're on the corner under an awning.), you have gps on your phone that shows your set path, meaning once you're on your route and your suspected serial killer Uber driver takes a detour to kill you, you can know you're being taken off the path. But in reality, you know where you don't get murdered by your Uber driver, you can tell if your driver is being shady and driving you extra miles to increase your fare.... which I've only experienced in a cab by a bonded cab driver.

I've used Uber probably 20 times, in 4 different cities. Wichita, Kansas City, Denver & Dallas. I've never had a bad driver, I've never had good drivers, I've had GREAT drivers. Every single time. I've had drivers of all ages, all back grounds, all races. I've had people who drive professionally as their job, I've seen people who drive only on weekends or during heavy use times (big events), I've seen drivers who just drive on the side when they have time. I've had college students, professionals, professors, and laborers drive me. I've been given complimentary water bottles and candy by certain drivers. I've been picked up in Uber Black which is a black sedan or SUV as if you have your own private driver like you're some VIP, and I've ridden in Nissan Leafs. I've never ridden in a car that was even half as dirty as cabs that I've been in, and I've never had a cabby that was friendly to me. It's always "just business" with cabs.

The fact Kansas decided to get rid of Uber, either intentionally by lawmakers, or intentionally by a number of lobbyists in the insurance field and/or cab industry, it is a disservice to the citizens of Kansas to not have a CHOICE.

[shocka khan]

_Kai_.....change your Uber password:

http://bgr.com/2015/05/04/uber-username-and-password-change/

For a tech company, these folks seem like the gang that can't shoot straight.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

I'd rather ride in a dirty cab with a bonded driver, but I admit I've never used Uber. I'm not interested in saving a couple of bucks measured against the potential risk.

When they fix their onboarding procedures, I'll rethink my position, as many people I know have had good experiences.

From that same link you posted to "prove" your position on Uber are also 3 links where cab drivers are accused of physical and sexual assaults on their patrons.

I understand and agree partially in your postion however your argument sucks based on the merits of a "bonded" person driving you around. If that makes you feel safer than by all means continue. But that peice of paper alone isnt going to stop something from happening.

[_kai_]

_Kai_.....change your Uber password:

http://bgr.com/2015/05/04/uber-username-and-password-change/

For a tech company, these folks seem like the gang that can't shoot straight.

Thanks for the heads up on that.

[Play Angry]

I'd rather ride in a dirty cab with a bonded driver, but I admit I've never used Uber. I'm not interested in saving a couple of bucks measured against the potential risk.

When they fix their onboarding procedures, I'll rethink my position, as many people I know have had good experiences.

A fine choice which I can respect, although I disagree and have used Uber in excess of 100 times.

Why advocate for more stringent rules than are legislatively required for taxi companies in Kansas while taking away my choice, though?

[shocka khan]

From that same link you posted to "prove" your position on Uber are also 3 links where cab drivers are accused of physical and sexual assaults on their patrons.

I understand and agree partially in your postion however your argument sucks based on the merits of a "bonded" person driving you around. If that makes you feel safer than by all means continue. But that peice of paper alone isnt going to stop something from happening.

It's also the criminal background checks. That's your first line of defense. Don't hire employees who can't be bonded and you don't have to worry about the problem. I didn't see three links in the article, but I did note the two links to the Chron articles within the link.