Uber was never really in Nigeria much, despite apparently being here a long time. I use ride-hailing a lot, and I've never used it because it is not available in my state, or in most states, for that matter.
Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
41–50 of 121 posts
Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#42Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#43Earlier quoted context omitted.
I would pay extra because I don't want the cognitive load of haggling on the cost. When I want/need A ride, it's because I'm either overloaded, away from home, or drunk. These are three times that I didn't want to bother with any more nonsense.
Its not that much. And you can just bypass it by accepting the first offer you get
In a system where you are expected to haggle taking the opening price puts a pretty heavy tax on everything. It's more work to get to a vaguely similar equilibrium distributed slightly less evenly when you look at big markets for similar things.
Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#44Earlier quoted context omitted.
> They've also used "‘kill switch’ during raids to stop police seeing data If Uber wasn't a VC backed company, they would have been charged with destruction of evidence or similar.
They likely were but Companies don't go to jail they pay fines
Shops and factories can be temporarily shut down if they don't comply with regulations. Businesses that require licenses like law practices may similarly have to stop operations. That is half of going to jail.
Unfortunately, the growth potential that software industry generally provides has generally prevented governments for creating and enforcing similar laws for software products and such.
Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#45Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#46why they do that
In developing countries, the taxi market is largely unregulated and Uber faces actual competition. Uber cannot compete on price in these regions.
It is precisely in unregulated markets I would want to use a ride shape app else they'd try to scam you on the price. Multiple times I've had drivers attempt to triple the agreed to price, or I'd have to haggle them down before the ride etc. This was over 20 years ago and Uber and the like did away with all that.
Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#47Earlier quoted context omitted.
One anecdote for a datapoint: Not sure if it's better now but I've lost a phone in an InDrive and I've lost an expensive bag in an Uber and it was significantly easier and less sketchy to get the bag back. I'm not a price sensitive rider so the insurance of a reputable 'comfort' tier Uber driver paid off. The InDrive driver made me get another ride to him then demanded $1000mxn (~$55usd) to return my phone. The Uber…
I have a controversial take: outside the US/Europe, Uber is mostly a tourist app. If you actually live in developing regions: 1) your income is much lower, and you are quite price sensitive. The Uber price premium (20-40%) hits much harder. 2) the Uber alternatives are noticeably cheaper for the exact same trip. Regarding your experience, if you were local, that inDrive driver likely would not have tried to extort $1…
Uber isn't cheaper in India, but most people in urban areas prefer taking it over local alternatives or taxis. The cars are actually regular taxis, but the Uber tax is worth it over taxis for the convenience and potential safety/driver verification.
Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#48lucky you!
Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#49Earlier quoted context omitted.
They likely were but Companies don't go to jail they pay fines
Shops and factories can be temporarily shut down if they don't comply with regulations. Businesses that require licenses like law practices may similarly have to stop operations. That is half of going to jail. Unfortunately, the growth potential that software industry generally provides has generally prevented governments for creating and enforcing similar laws for software products and such.
How does growth potential relate to legal enforcement?
Re: Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
#50has Uber had a positive ROI on the billions invested in it? I am pretty sure the return on the preferred price from the late rounds 10 years ago is basically zero. Net income has always been negative or close to zero. From a consumer perspective, in late stage cities, uber rides are the same or more expensive than old taxis, and the quality of vehicles is lower. what was it all worth?