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Uber Driver Accused of Raping Passenger in Boston

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Re: Uber Driver Accused of Raping Passenger in Boston

#41
post #40

this is not simply a problem of 'at least two' uber drivers having been charged with raping passengers since sunday, but the fact that it is symptomatic of a pattern of flouting laws in boston (and other areas certainly). here in the bean uber has already been convicted of making up $10 airport passenger fees when the commonwealth itself only enforces ~$3 (and then only on licensed cabs). rape is not a disease specif…

kalanick's brand of deregulation and aggressive 'asshole capitalism' arguably provides a perfect stew for these crimes to occur.

How so? Exactly what mechanism would lead to that?

Re: Uber Driver Accused of Raping Passenger in Boston

#42
post #3

I can't tell if these are legitimate growing pains any company experiencing such a growth spurt might incur or if these are a fault of Uber's. Dumb comments made by CEOs, rapes by drivers all over the world. The dumb comments by the CEOs are dumb, but they're just that. The rapes on the other hand? A quick google search turns up a slew of results for taxi rape. It doesn't appear to be endemic but it doesn't appear to…

"Will they set up a control center to monitor world events and observe when not to jack prices up?"

And this is why automated surge pricing as a business model is socially unacceptable and I expect (or hope) that regulations would ban or at least limit the extent of the "surge". This is also why taxi regulations etc. are required in the first place.

Re: Uber Driver Accused of Raping Passenger in Boston

#43
post #32

Key word here is accused. Nothing is proven yet so let's not jump to conclusions. Also as asn0 has said, traditional taxis have more rape issues and they have nowhere near the level of record keeping Uber does to help authorities solve these issues.

Why would someone falsely accuse an Uber driver of rape? Humor me.

Why would someone falsely accuse anyone of rape? It doesn't make sense, but unfortunately it happens.

Re: Uber Driver Accused of Raping Passenger in Boston

#44
post #32

Key word here is accused. Nothing is proven yet so let's not jump to conclusions. Also as asn0 has said, traditional taxis have more rape issues and they have nowhere near the level of record keeping Uber does to help authorities solve these issues.

Why would someone falsely accuse an Uber driver of rape? Humor me.

We operate under the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. So until the case is fully investigated and a verdict is made I think it's important to make the distinction rather than assume that a rape is true just because it's a horrible act.

Re: Uber Driver Accused of Raping Passenger in Boston

#46
post #25

One difference with taxi cabs is that many of them have security video systems in the car. These are primarily for driver safety, but can also be for passenger safety. Some taxis also have a driver safety system that when engaged will flash a light on the rear of the cab to notify folks to call the police that the driver needs help. I wonder if thieves will start robbing uber driver (car jack) because of a general la…

ubers don't carry cash, so it's no better than robbing a private car. Taxis do carry cash, which is why they desire those systems.

I was thinking of car jacking... taking the entire car. UberLux/UberSux/UberBlack is essentially an on demand high end vehicle for thieves. They'd need a burner cell phone and stolen credit card... but that's a pretty low barrier.

Re: Uber Driver Accused of Raping Passenger in Boston

#47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> My belief is in India, often times, the "face" (as the Chinese use the term, to save face) of a rapist may often be considered more worthy of protection than the woman. This is in no way restricted to India. Google any rape story involving a promising high school or college athlete in America. Watch how the community steps into formation to defend the kids' futures.

Not without cause. The recent UVA scandal, the semi-recent duke lacrosse scandal, and the unconscionable number of rape convicts being exonerated and released on account of dna evidence being tested with modern methods all point to the need for defense of the accused. It's almost as if accused rapists, like other accused criminals, should be innocent until proven guilty.

Sufficient legal aid for the accused has nothing to do with saving face. Perhaps someone who runs under a throwaway isn't familiar with that distinction?

Re: Uber Driver Accused of Raping Passenger in Boston

#49
post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

ubers don't carry cash, so it's no better than robbing a private car. Taxis do carry cash, which is why they desire those systems.

I was thinking of car jacking... taking the entire car. UberLux/UberSux/UberBlack is essentially an on demand high end vehicle for thieves. They'd need a burner cell phone and stolen credit card... but that's a pretty low barrier.

Still not that much better than jacking a private car.
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