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Uber shows defiance following pressure from London's black cabs
Uber's used to taking heat from traditional taxi organizations that'd rather the new breed not muscle in on their turf; including in London, where black cabbies are expected to protest against the car service next month. Even Hailo, which for years has given the capital's iconic cabs an app-based platform for finding customers, suffered backlash last week after announcing its intention to include private hire services in the future. Without referring to either of these events specifically, Uber's taken to its blog today to "clarify a few things," or rather, tell black cabbies where to go.
Hailo's HQ trashed by Uber-hating London black cab drivers
London's black cabs are in a league of their own, so when Hailo, an app specifically designed for those vehicles, announced that it was becoming a fully-featured Uber rival, things got a little heated. In fact, disgruntled drivers have vandalized the company's headquarters and are now rapidly departing the service. The platform has been losing ground to its less-choosy rivals, and so decided to admit that if it couldn't beat Uber, it would probably have to join it. Unfortunately, the threatened cabbies are also planning a (hopefully non-violent) assault upon Uber next month in the hope of pressuring the government to hold the service to the same rules and standards that commercial taxis use.
Another Uber SUV cab service comes to San Francisco
We've all suffered that problem when we've got too many friends to share a single cab, but not really enough to justify splitting into two groups. Uber understands our pain, and has launched UberXL, specifically for medium-sized groups of partygoers to get around in an SUV instead of a sedan. Now, if we're honest, we have no idea how this is going to shake out compared to UberSUV, which also offers SUV-sized transport, but costs twice as much to use. We have asked the company, and will let you know what we learn. Still, UberXL, which is already available in Singapore and Chicago is now coming to San Francisco, just in time for the annual Bay to Breakers race-cum-city-wide-rave. Compared to UberX, you'll pay a $5 base fare and a minimum $8 fee, but that's a small price to pay not to break up the party. Update: So we've heard back from Uber, who explained that UberSUV uses TCP-licensed drivers for luxurious transit, whereas UberXL is just for larger groups of regular folk.
Uber's offering private jets for the rich kids of Cannes
It's already the hate-figure for taxi drivers, but now Uber wants to alienate the rest of the 99 percent. The smartphone-based cab service is launching UberJET, a private airline service that'll operate during the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival. Between May 12th and May 18th, users can book an Uber Black car to take them to Paris' Bourget airport, where a jet, operated by Goodwill Airlines, will fly you to Nice, and then a second car will drive you down the road to Cannes. The price for the service is €6,490 ($8,930), and you're able to split that between three other passengers during the journey. Assuming, that is, that you haven't just decided to get the train -- it may be five hours long, but it'll only set you back $200.
Uber and Google are just getting started
This week, Google announced a huge update to its Maps app on Android and iOS, bringing new tools such as lane guidance along with one particularly intriguing feature: Uber integration. If you have the ride-sharing service's app on your phone, Uber will show up as an option when you search for public-transit directions, and you'll be able to jump into the Uber app from Maps to order a ride. Google's clearly favoring one ride-ordering app over others like Hailo and Lyft. Of course, Uber's integration with Maps will mean nothing to you if you don't already have the app on your phone, but for current customers, it's one more reminder that a ride's just a few taps away. Looking at the larger picture, though, this move points to Google's (literal) investment in Uber -- and it could be the first step in a wide-reaching partnership between the two companies. Driverless rides to the airport, anyone?
London's black cabs plan 'severe chaos' on city streets in protest of Uber
Uber's no stranger to disputes with traditional taxi firms in Europe; it's already been banned in Belgium and French lawmakers want to take its tracking tech and hand it over to regular cab firms. Discontent has been growing the other side of the Channel too, as drivers of London's iconic black cabs appear set to cause "severe chaos and congestion" by blockading many of the city's streets in June. For the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) the issue is simple: it says Uber's drivers are using smartphone apps to calculate fares, which they believe is illegal because private vehicles are not permitted to be fitted with taximeters. Uber's apps actually use GPS data to work out the distance travelled and time taken, which isn't illegal, despite the LTDA's groans. Transport for London doesn't want to get involved as it doesn't believe the law has been broken, but that won't stop the LTDA from seeking a judicial review. Although TfL appears to back Uber's presence in London, it says no final decisions have been made and the company's model is "still under investigation."
Lyft's new premium service hauls you around in high-tech style
So you're out on the town with five of your best buddies, and you want a posh ride to the next party without paying a premium for Uber SUV or a limo. Are you stuck? Not after today -- Lyft has unveiled Plus, a high-end service which promises luxuriant ridesharing that won't hit your bank account quite so hard. Choose the new tier and a customized Ford Explorer will show up with room for six and one of the company's better-rated drivers. It's a technology haven on the inside, to boot. You get power outlets to recharge your gadgets, and drivers have Spotify Premium access to handle your song requests.
Uber introduces Uber Family in NYC, guarantees a child seat with your ride
As they so often are, the rumors were true: the smartphone-based taxi request app, Uber, is adding a new service today in New York City called "Uber Family." The company's calling it "uberFAMILY," but we're calling it Uber Family. Anyway, as the name implies, the new service takes what Uber already does and adds a guaranteed child seat. It also adds $10 to your ride: a small price to pay for the guarantee of a child seat, but it's also a $10 charge to guarantee the safety of child riders. There's no update to the existing app required; once you enter "FAMILY" in the promo code page, your next ride optionally becomes an Uber Family ride. Just like that!
Major Google Maps update adds Uber integration, better transit info and more
Today Google announced a pretty hefty update to its Maps app, with improved navigation instructions, new search options and even the ability to jump into the Uber app to order a ride. Available for download now via Google Play and the App Store, the update includes lane guidance and easier access to alternate routes when you're already in navigation mode. Another new feature lets you search for a specific area, such as Toronto, and save that place info sheet for offline use. For those traveling to a new city, there's the ability to view places saved on Google Maps across all devices. You'll also be able to star new locales to keep them bookmarked for the future.
Uber is reportedly launching a family-friendly ridesharing service
Uber's ridesharing service has primarily catered to an adult crowd that rarely needs to bring more than a suitcase, but it may soon offer a solution for those whose kids have to tag along. VentureBeat hears from a source that the company is near launching Uber Family, a premium option for parents. Reportedly, you'd pay a $10 premium to guarantee both a trustworthy (that is, highly rated) driver and a pre-supplied child's car seat. We've reached out to verify the claims, but you may not have long to wait; Uber Family is supposed to be launching in New York "soon."
France is plotting to take Uber's car-tracking tech and hand it over to taxis
While taxi services like Uber may be flat-out unwelcome in Belgium, neighboring France is still trying to figure out how to manage them. Under pressure from traditional cab drivers in the country, a new law was introduced that required the likes of Uber, LeCab and SnapCar to wait 15 minutes before picking people up, giving normal cabs a better shot at landing the business. It didn't survive very long, not that it did much to calm some old-school cabbies anyway. Now, a new report, due to be presented to the French Prime Minister today, suggests disarming the newer services of one of their greatest weapons, and turning it over to regular taxis.
UberX adds $1 charge to cover getting you home safely
Sure, UberX might get you to your destination for less money than a taxi, but do you want to arrive safely? That will be an extra dollar. Not really, but sort of. Uber has added a $1 surcharge to UberX rides. Called a "Safe Rides Fee," the company says the cash will help offset the cost "an industry-leading background check process, regular motor vehicle checks, driver safety education, development of safety features in the app, and insurance." You know, basic stuff that Uber needs to do to make sure you're not being picked up by a serial killer or in a car that's going to lose a wheel once you get on the highway. Uber's been doing that stuff already, but taking on the cost itself – a move that's ultimately made it lose cash on every ride. It's not unreasonable that it might pass the buck literally on to its customers, but it could have probably come up with a name for the charge that doesn't sound like you're going to die if your don't pay up. Our only question: If our Uber starts texting while we're on the road can we have our dollar back? Image source: Flickr/Adam Fagan
Uber still offering rides in Belgium despite court order
Despite seized vehicles, a court order and possible €10,000 fine (per pickup!), Uber says its UberPOP ride-sharing service remains available in Brussels. In its blog, the company complained that the original lawsuit was filed by Brussels radio taxi companies trying to limit choice, and that "if anyone should be filing lawsuits, it's Brussels consumers." Concluding the truculent post, Uber said it would "continue to provide our car-sharing platform," which we assume means that it'll carry on operations. We'll have to see if it sticks to its guns considering the looming fines, and what its opponents' next move will be. [Image credit: Uber]
Belgium bans Uber, threatens €10,000 fine for each attempted pickup
A Brussels court has declared Uber to be illegal in Belgium, saying the company will be fined €10,000 for every ride. The UberPOP ride-sharing service has been on shaky ground there since its February launch, with the government even seizing vehicles. As in France, taxi drivers are taking umbrage with the company since its drivers don't have to pay for pricey licenses. The French government actually forced Uber chauffeurs to wait 15 minutes before picking up passengers in response, which now seems tame in comparison to Belgium's actions. Uber has yet to comment, but previously said it's been open with the government and called the seizures "disproportionate and targeted." As with Tesla, however, it's learning how hard it is to deal with an entrenched industry.
Inside the UberPITCH 'Cash Cab'
When Matt Oscamou headed out to Starbucks Wednesday afternoon, he had no clue he'd be leaving half an hour later in an Uber with a venture capitalist (VC) from Google Ventures. "My preparation window was not even seven minutes," says Oscamou. He was one of several startup founders to cruise around town with potential investors on Wednesday through an event called UberPITCH. The most "Silicon Valley" of promotions, six Google Ventures VCs got in the back of Uber SUVs and were on-demand for founders to request for mobile 15-minute meetings throughout the afternoon. It was a startup version of Cash Cab that made finding a potential investment as easy as requesting a taxi. Sort of.
Uber for deliveries? Courier service to begin in New York City tomorrow
It's not just a taxi service anymore -- starting tomorrow, Uber might be getting into the delivery business. According to a NYC Craigslist ad, the company is hiring foot and bike couriers to fill on-demand item pickup and delivery requests in Manhattan, issued and received via the company's smartphone app, naturally. The full details of the service haven't been officially released, but Uber's NYC Twitter account teased a Tuesday reveal. Update: It's already official. Uber NYC's Josh Mohrer told CNBC that the service is called UberRUSH, and local same-day delivery will cost users between $15 and $30, depending on how far it has to travel. The service's app will allow users to track their parcel's progress too, and deliveries will be available 24-hours a day. Looking for work, or just need a new phone? Check out the want-ad for yourself: employment apparently comes with a free iPhone 4S. [Image credit: Getty Images/Vetta]
Seattle limits access to Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing vehicles
Uber, Lyft, Sidecar and other ride-sharing services just suffered a huge setback in Seattle, and it's way more serious than getting their vehicles' tires slashed by irate competitors. The city's council members have decided to uphold a decision they made in February -- one that caps every platform's active vehicles to a measly 150 each. According to TechCrunch, the decision was a result of various complaints and questions regarding these services, which you can use to summon cars through mobile apps, as they're relatively new. Most of those were concerns for public safety, even though the companies already screen their drivers (in California, at least) and are expanding their insurance coverage. Considering Uber claims to have roughly 1,000 drivers in the city, this move will not only put many of them out of work, but also severely limit each company's capacity to meet demand.
Uber now insures drivers (and passengers) whenever its ridesharing app is turned on (update)
Surge pricing and conflict over its presence (in some cities) aren't the only issues facing Uber and other ridesharing services these days. Unanswered questions abound about who pays when an UberX driver gets into an accident. Rather than wait for insurance companies to figure things out -- and continue leaving its drivers and customers in a potential coverage no man's land -- Uber's extending its insurance policy to offer contingent coverage when a driver has the Uber app on, but isn't on a trip. Prior to this change, drivers' personal policies were the only insurance available, and it's unclear whether personal insurance will always apply in such instances. So, that's why Uber's now offering coverage up to $100,000 for bodily injuries (at a max $50,000 per person) and up to $25,000 for property damage if an accident happens and the driver's personal policy won't pay out. The coverage the company's offering is certainly better than nothing, but it's far from the $1 million policy that kicks in when drivers are actually on a trip, and provides a lot less than most personal policies, too. That said, it's also important to mention that the move is really a stopgap measure. According to Uber, it wants to help out drivers "while the insurance industry and state governments update policies and regulations for the new world of ridesharing transportation." Makes sense to us, but might we recommend joining the Peer-to-Peer Rideshare Insurance Coalition to help them along? Update: Uber contacted us to let us know that they are already a part of the coalition -- glad they took our advice before we gave it. Oh, and so did Uber competitor Lyft, which contacted us to say that it'll "provide backstop coverage to drivers when they are in match mode and are not providing rides. We will be rolling this out state-by-state in the days to come."
Uber adds surge pricing push notifications to its iOS app
A week after Uber CEO Travis Kalanick promised push notifications were on the way to help riders cope with surge pricing, the outfit has added the feature to its iOS app. With the latest update, those handset-based pop-ups alert you when the dreaded surge pricing window has passed and replace SMS messages for updates. For customers in the UK, PayPal integration has also been tacked on as an alternate payment option. No word on when Android users can expect the new alerts, but we'd surmise it's not too far out as add-ons have been quick to grace both OSes in the past. Update: Uber has just published a blog post announcing the new Surge Drop feature.
Uber working on push notifications to let you know when surge pricing ends
Love Uber, but hate surge pricing? We get you, and so does Uber. During the LAUNCH conference in San Francisco Monday, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick says he wants to take the sting out of surge pricing -- by letting you know when it's over. If you get hit with a case of sticker shock, the company is working on a new feature that will notify you via push notification when prices are back down to normal. Kalanick says that sometimes surge pricing can last just a few minutes. All told, that means if you're willing to wait an extra 15 to head to the club, you could potentially save enough cash to buy a round of drinks once you get there.
