Have you heard of Uber? It is an “on demand car service” which connects drivers and riders through an free smartphone app. Think of a taxi service without the middleman (intermediario). Here’s a promotional video of how Uber works:
Easy, right? In cities like New York and San Francisco, Uber has created an urban transportation revolution, enough to make it worth 40 billion dollars. Why is it so popular? Take a look at this article and be sure you can do the following
1) Name at least 3 benefits of Uber. The writer discusses benefits for riders and drivers.
2) Why is the taxi industry opposed?
For another perspective, watch this video. The subtitles are not very good, so try to answer the questions by just listening to the audio.
(1:58) Why does Uber exist? What do medallions do?
(4:05) What is the first problem with Uber?
(4:53) What has the result been?
(5:49) What happened to the woman in New York?
(6:22) Why is that important?
(7:10) What did the journalist learn by driving for Uber?
(7:28) What is the problem with Uber’s model?
(7:35) What is the analogy he makes to 2 other important technology companies?
(7:57) What has changed in Uber’s payment policy? What has the impact been?
(8:26) What is Uber’s public relations strategy?
(9:36) What is disruptive technology?
(10:02) What are some similar companies?
(10:19) What is their principle? Why is that a problem? What is the solution?
(11:09) Where are we, metaphorically?
Bonus: There is tons of material online about Uber pros and cons and the sharing economy in general, including TED Talks, a Planet Money podcast, and whatever else you can Google.
