Uber Suspends Its Ride-Sharing Service in Spain Following a Court Ruling • Hacker News Board

Re: Uber Suspends Its Ride-Sharing Service in Spain Following a Court Ruling

#51

Post by jasonisalive » Thu, Jan 01, 2015, 7:14 AM UTC

threeseed wrote: post #27

adlpz wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't know what are you talking about, but if selling out to predatory foreign companies with openly questionable moral compasses and null respect for the local legislation is "the 21st century", I'd like my dear Europe to stay in the 20th, thank you very much.

Add those of us in moderate countries eg Australia to the list. Given how much of a sad joke consumer protection laws are in the US and the general exploitation of the disadvantaged eg interest rates on student loans it's a bit rich to be lecturing other countries on matters like this.

1) I'm not American, but thanks for assuming. 2) Australia isn't moderate in the slightest.

Re: Uber Suspends Its Ride-Sharing Service in Spain Following a Court Ruling

#52

Post by jasonisalive » Thu, Jan 01, 2015, 7:18 AM UTC

radmuzom wrote: post #12

jasonisalive wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hmm, which is it, do you disagree that aggressive legislation against Uber is unrelated to it being an American company? Do you believe that this legislation promotes openness, personal responsibility, free choice and minimal government? Or do you think that this isn't a largely pan-European phenomenon? I'd be thrilled to hear exactly where you disagree and how you can defend your counterpropositions. It's much more…

You are welcome to do what you want in America, but as far as my country (not Spain) goes, here is a list of things the general people believe in - 1. Strong government - Being a country of diverse cultural values, it is imperative that there is a strong national government who can take care of stuff if things go bad. If that means big government, so be it. 2. Free choice - While freedom of opinion is important and r…

1) I'm not American, I find it insulting that you assume that I am. 2) If your country is so well-run why do you have 23.7% unemployment?

Re: Uber Suspends Its Ride-Sharing Service in Spain Following a Court Ruling

#53

Post by mobiplayer » Fri, Jan 02, 2015, 9:01 AM UTC

vbezhenar wrote: post #50

mobiplayer wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you know why Uber wasn't invented in Spain? Because it is illegal. People giving rides for money have existed always and they've been punished because they were breaking the law. Now they're telling us it is "disruptive" to make crime more organized? Hey, we've got this nice app in order to receive your illegal service in an easy, trackable and convenient way. I'm not saying it should be illegal. I'm saying it is…

What's wrong with people giving rides for money? That's ideal model of open market IMO. I have this model applied in my country and 5 kilometers taxi ride would cost around 1-2 euros, depending on time (bus costs 0.4 euro). That's nice for customers, if you ask me. There's other side of the coin, it might not be safe enough to ride with unknown driver at night being in unconscious state. But we have public taxi servi…

Hey vbezhenar,

I don't see nothing morally wrong on their business model. I'm just pointing out it is illegal under the current law and that's why there's no Spanish Uber. Also, we all know this is not ride-sharing, just a cheaper and unregulated taxi company. Blablacar is ride-sharing :)

Transportation costs in Spain are far from free, but if you were shocked I would recommend you not visiting Britain for your health's sake. Well, I actually recommend visiting the country because it is beautiful, but just don't hop on a train.

Re: Uber Suspends Its Ride-Sharing Service in Spain Following a Court Ruling

#54

Post by DrDimension » Fri, Jan 02, 2015, 11:17 AM UTC

pinaceae wrote: post #47

DrDimension wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Blaming government incompetence on a lack of public trust in government is... fallacious to put it kindly.

not at all. you make the government the source of all evil. blame regulation, blame the people working in government, don't pay them well. what happens? public service will suck. no one qualified wants to work there. a self fulfilling prophecy. the people get the government they are willing to pay for, they deserve. the whole starving the beast rhetoric of the GOP, etc in the US is what ultimately makes the governmen…

It's too bad you're unaware of the calculation problem and its consequences.

Also, let's reverse your argument -

"you make the free-market the source of all evil. blame a lack of regulation, blame the people working in corporations, regulate their pay as well. what happens? free-market service will suck. no one qualified wants to work there. a self fulfilling prophecy."

Re: Uber Suspends Its Ride-Sharing Service in Spain Following a Court Ruling

#55

Post by Someone » Fri, Jan 02, 2015, 7:14 PM UTC

blfr wrote: post #22

Someone wrote: post #20

AFAIK, this is a first: "The company said it is “respecting the law” with its suspension" . Previously, they always said to continue their ways, going so far as promising to pay fines drivers get (sorry, can't find a link for that, but http://ernstseconomyforyou.blogspot.nl/2014/12/the-untolerab... is an example of what they think laws mean) They basically are trying to force law changes. There is nothing wrong with…

Who are "the weak" being protected by taxi regulations? Uber is usually cheaper than regular taxis so more available to poorer people.

In a world that doesn't have full employment, everybody with a job that most people can learn is one of the weak.

Taxis may get cheaper, but taxi drivers may start earning less, too. Even if that is not 1:1, I expect it will become relatively more expensive for taxi drivers and people in similar jobs to take a taxi. If they lose 10% income, they may easily lose 25% of their income after paying for necessities (rent, food). So, taxis would have to become cheaper by over 25% for it to become more affordable to taxi drivers to take one.