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Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

bloomberg.com

1–10 of 41 posts

Re: Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

#2
Vancouver has an excellent SkyTrain + bus network, as well as a thriving biking scene. Suprised to not see any of that mentioned in the article.

Although, the note the article ends in, it's pretty clear that it's an ad.

Re: Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

#3
Spotty public transit? Vancouver has one of the best public transportation systems in North America. Honestly, Vancouverites aren't at all bothered by the fact that Uber doesn't exist out there. The author clearly has never been to other cities in Canada such as Toronto and/or Ottawa where commute is a nightmare.

Re: Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

#4

Vancouver has an excellent SkyTrain + bus network, as well as a thriving biking scene. Suprised to not see any of that mentioned in the article. Although, the note the article ends in, it's pretty clear that it's an ad.

The best source they could find for the article is someone who spent $1000 for a private driver for two days... I visit Vancouver twice a year to spend time with family. Downtown core is walkable. SkyTrain and express buses are often significantly faster than driving when you factor in parking and traffic... An extensive and affordable bike share system would be a great addition but the same forces (incumbent lobbying) plus strict helmet laws seem to be roadblocks...

Re: Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

#5
> Saks has used Uber in more than 60 cities; in Vancouver he paid a private driver $1,000 to ferry him around.

Then he is an utter idiot. How many of those 60 cities do you suppose had perfectly workable public transit systems he could have used? I'd bet quite a few of them.

Uber is great because it allows you to be lazy. Turn up in a city you've never been to, hit a button, go. That doesn't mean they should have carte blanche to do whatever they want, wherever they want.

When I'm in Vancouver I either use the (pretty good) public transport options, or an app I found to reserve a taxi, which works just fine. Or (gasp) walk around the beautiful city.

Re: Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

#7
post #3

Spotty public transit? Vancouver has one of the best public transportation systems in North America. Honestly, Vancouverites aren't at all bothered by the fact that Uber doesn't exist out there. The author clearly has never been to other cities in Canada such as Toronto and/or Ottawa where commute is a nightmare.

I'll rebut your anecdotal evidence with some of my own. Multiple Vancouverites I met when I visited complained about the lack of Uber.

Re: Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

#8
post #3

Spotty public transit? Vancouver has one of the best public transportation systems in North America. Honestly, Vancouverites aren't at all bothered by the fact that Uber doesn't exist out there. The author clearly has never been to other cities in Canada such as Toronto and/or Ottawa where commute is a nightmare.

I'm a Vancouver resident and the transit is great. The Skytrain is spotty in its coverage. No East/West travel, which I believe is what they're referring to.

Also after using Uber in Toronto, I am super jealous and want it here.

Re: Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

#9
post #3

Spotty public transit? Vancouver has one of the best public transportation systems in North America. Honestly, Vancouverites aren't at all bothered by the fact that Uber doesn't exist out there. The author clearly has never been to other cities in Canada such as Toronto and/or Ottawa where commute is a nightmare.

As a Vancouverite, I'm extremely bothered by it. The taxi situation in Vancouver is beyond pathetic -- it's difficult to get one even in off-peak times and the service is terrible. I've used Uber in other cities and it's fantastic; I've signed every petition there is to try and bring it here.

Transit in Vancouver is pretty good but it won't help you late at night. I've fully given up ever trying to get home after a Christmas party (I get a hotel room now and transit in the morning).

Re: Vancouver Doesn't Have Uber

#10
Vancouver has called Uber exactly what it is: a limousine service. There is no ifs, ands, or buts. The fact that they are able to masquerade in other regions as they please because of the perceived benefit to consumers does not negate the fact of what they really are.

This co-opting of the 'sharing economy' to mean unregulated subcontractors is ridiculous. It removes the risk from Uber as a company and places it on the clients and the drivers. Vancouver (and BC) has determined this a risk to great.

If Uber wants to operate in this jurisdiction, they must play by the rules of that jurisdiction. If they refuse, then so be it. They certainly aren't losing money because of it, just losing OUT on it.

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