<p>Ride-sharing service Uber is testing the waters on Martha’s Vineyard. While there are no firm plans to expand Uber service to the Island, the company began advertising for drivers this week. Local cab companies said they fear Uber would quickly put them out of business.</p>
Uber, the ride sharing service which has disrupted the taxi industry in cities all over the world, is testing the waters on Martha’s Vineyard.
The company began advertising for drivers this week. While there are no firm plans to expand Uber service to the Island, if the company finds enough interest, there could be Uber drivers competing with cabs and car services as soon as this summer.
Island cab companies fear Uber will quickly put them out of business. They see Uber as unfair competition, with drivers who don’t have to comply with the same regulations they do, and they have strong feelings about it.
“The CEO of Uber wants taxi companies dead, and the feeling is mutual,” said Benoit Baldwin, owner of Alpha Taxi based in West Tisbury. “There will be a significant reduction in business wherever Uber is allowed to operate.”
“It’s going to kill us,” said Jim Hickey, owner of Bluefish Taxi and Aquinnah Taxi. “Especially a company like mine. It will be a slow death.”
Uber was founded in 2009 and has enjoyed explosive growth. Already valued at $40 billion by investors, it operates in 56 countries.
The company is known for moving quickly into new areas.
“As we do in all areas where we’re not currently operating, we run ads to see if anyone is interested in signing up to be a driver,” said Uber spokesman Craig Ewer. “We’re at the very early stage,” he said of any plans for Martha’s Vineyard. “We tend to move as fast as we need to.”
The service works through a free smartphone app. People who need a ride can contact an available driver and arrange a pickup. The app shows the driver’s location on a street map, and estimates the time the car will arrive. Pricing varies in different locations, based on a combination of time and distance. During peak hours, Uber institutes “surge pricing.” Riders have to pay more, and in theory, the higher prices are an incentive for more drivers to work. Uber earns money by taking a percentage of the fare. Drivers set their own hours, so unlike taxis, there is no guarantee a ride will be available at odd times of day. Both drivers and riders rate each other after each ride.
Uber has faced staunch opposition from taxi companies in many of the areas where it operates, but it has proved extremely popular with riders. In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker and former Gov. Deval Patrick have both been receptive to ride sharing services.
“We must continue to embrace technology and innovation as a means for growth,” Governor Baker said in a press release. “We also have a responsibility to step up to ensure consumer choice and public safety prevail, and that Massachusetts continues to develop as a global destination for business and tourism.”
The Baker administration is crafting a licensing framework, based on regulations issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The regulations, which went into effect in January, classify ride sharing services as transportation network companies. They require drivers be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. They must also undergo a criminal records check. Any applicant with more than three minor traffic violations in the preceding three years, such as speeding, defective equipment, or lane violations, is disqualified from getting a license. Anyone with a major traffic violation on their record, such as operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, operating with a suspended licence, or leaving the scene of an accident, is also disqualified. Regulators aim to have the licensing procedure in place by mid-summer, and ride sharing companies are cleared to continue operating while the state works on the system.
On the Island, taxi companies are regulated by either a town’s board of selectmen, or its police department, which issues licenses, enforces safety rules and sets prices. Talks have been under way for years about creating uniform taxi regulations for the Island, but to date no such rules have been adopted.
It’s unclear whether ride sharing services would fall under a town’s jurisdiction. The issues are certainly on the minds of selectmen and police departments across the Island.
“People are aware that Uber is trying to get a foothold,” said Oak Bluffs police Lieut. Timothy Williamson. “I guess some cab companies aren’t too happy. They’re trying to see what they can do to stop it, but there’s not much they can do. It seems like it’s inevitable.”
Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Hickey are looking to local government to keep Uber off the Island.
“It’s new, it’s trendy, it appeals to the Facebook generation,” Mr. Hickey said. “I get that. I’m hoping selectmen will step up, or police will step up to stop it. The taxi business is already saturated, there is way too much competition. We’re barely holding on as it is.”
Comments
What's the problem we are
LeslieWhat's the problem we are trying to solve?
We want:
Thriving island businesses that benefit our Island, employees and their owners and
good customer service for Islanders, Vineyarders, Washashores, summer people and visitors
So how do we have both:
The likelihood is that there will be room for both models and the taxi service that differentiates itself by establishing customer service standards and rewarding great service will be the winner.
Here are some ideas:
provide customers a way to compliment drivers on their great service
Encourage them to give ratings on Yelp, give a positive Tweet or Facebook comment as a way to compete.
Be nice.
Promptly respond to issues.
Thank customers for their feedback
Set a cleanliness standard for the car and the driver and check to make sure its what you expect
How about a driver of the week contest with an incentive to win?
I don't know what the answer is or try to pretend that I know how hard it is to run an island business. Maybe you're already doing these things and still have a problem with the way people think about your industry
But what I do know is that the complaints about customer service are what's driving all this conversation and making it possible for Uber to even be considered.
One more thing people should
Jim Hickey West TisburyOne more thing people should realize about Uber ... I think it was mentioned in Steve Myrick's article but might have gotten lost in the debate here. Customers cannot order an Uber taxi in advance, you can only order a cab when you need it right away which means that you cannot make an appointment in advance. Just think about that for a second. If you are planning to go to dinner in town with friends you can't reserve a cab in advance, or schedule a late night pickup after a night on the town or an early morning pickup on those mornings you need to catch a 6 a.m. boat or early flight. I guess if your a true Uber devotee, you can wake up at the crack of dawn and hope some enterprising driver is up at that early hour. But I wouldn't count on it, these Uber drivers work on their own schedule and have no boss to make sure they get out of bed early.
And remember, if your flying into the airport you wont be able to order an Uber cab until you land, and if your on the boat you wont be able to order up one until you reach the Island. This will inevitably lead to Uber cabs parking illegally at and around the steamship and the airport, and those cabs will then be driving into massively congested areas to try and locate their fares at the busiest of times. It's not practical and it's not safe. I would hope our local officials realize the inherent safety and traffic problems this will cause.
And one last point to those who have commented about being forced to sit 'shoulder to shoulder' in a taxi that makes multiple stops before bringing you to your destination. All anyone has to do to reserve a taxi for themselves and their group (and ONLY themselves and their group) is call a taxi company in advance to schedule a pickup. That company will then send a taxi to meet you at the steamship or airport or wherever and you will get that van all to yourself, guaranteed. Just look up a Vineyard taxi company on your phone and press the button to call them. Or ask for a business card the next time you get a ride (the drivers usually offer them anyway) and program that phone number in your phone and call ahead with just a push of a button. It's not all that different from Uber, except you might actually have to talk to someone. But if you prefer you can also order a cab by text.
I love Uber. I have used it
Washashore chilmarkI love Uber. I have used it countless times and have NEVER had an issue with their service, no matter the hour. In my experience, they are more reliable than a taxi (who sometimes don't show or are late). The longest I've have to wait for an uber was 15 minutes, I've used it in NY, CT, RI, and MA. You can make these unsubstantiated claims, but I think Uber will please its customers as usual. Even on MV.
Jim, I think you are missing
Island Mike MVJim, I think you are missing the point. I don't believe anyone wants the cabs to go away altogether - they are welcoming an option. Competition may weed out weak, old, dingy 6 people going to 6 different places in one cab = cab companies but there will be a cleaner nicer option in Uber. If people want that set time and date then call and set up a cab. If you want a simple ride then they can decide to use Uber. Cab companies better step up there game - Uber has arrived !
It's great to have options.
Frequent FlyerIt's great to have options. Uber is one of them. No different than calling a friend once your boat or plane has arrived. Happens all the time! Your model is dated and will become obsolete unless you embrace the modern world. We will not wait for you. We are moving forward and it's great! Oh, and "these Uber drivers" don't need a boss (you), they are independent adults who are also entrepreneurs. If they need a "nanny" to get them to work, then they will work for you.
I am a UBER user, and I have
Paulli D EdgartownI am a UBER user, and I have to say, it would work well on the island. I am tired of being packed into a van with 10 other people and have to make 6 stops across the island. I want to get off the boat, get in a car, and go to my destination. If others want to take the van and the sight seeing tour, they can.
To bad the current taxi companies could not see this coming, and did something like UBER before this.
I was just on island last weekend., and fired up the UBER app, and saw not cars! This is great, GO UBER GO!
The idea of multiple fares,
deshandra brown mvThe idea of multiple fares, in the same cab, is a pure cash-cow for the cab owners that have spots at the boat,or the use of a prime location cab stand down island. I have never heard of this practice any other place in the world. Yes, share a cab with other passengers, but split the fare evenly between them rather than charging each of them the full fare!. The way its done on MV, the cab owners are not going to get any sympathy from those who have experienced this nonsense. As far as paying your fee for a spot at the boat, or to a town in order to use their cab stands, its a cost that a Uber car doesn't have- but they can't park there and solicit passengers as a licensed can does. But at least you're not in NYC where a license (AKA 'medallion') that is required for EACH yellow cab is around one million dollars. Those yellow cabs are allowed to pick up people on the street, whereas the 'black cars' are not, and must be via radio call from a dispatcher. I don't think the licensed cabs will go broke,especially if the uber drivers have an 'island car'.
I just signed up to be an
Very Annoyed Vineyard HavenI just signed up to be an Uber driver!
Bring back the pedicabs! Or
Buckle Up!Bring back the pedicabs! Or better yet, Uber Pedicabs! Yeehaw!
This is a great thread. I
Dbar2013 E'VilleThis is a great thread. I live in Milton, MA and most of my friends here who use cabs have transitioned to Uber. In the summers I live in Edgartown and I drive a cab for one of the longest established cab companies on MV. Speaking for our company...our cabs are spotless...inside and out. Our cabs don't look like the rolling, filthy, wrecks that several of our competitor companies use. Our drivers are well groomed, native to MV and courteous to a turn. We provide a service that is without question better than any other cab company on MV. We are on time to the vast majority of our appointments. The only deviations from being on time coincide with the 4th and Obama visits. I depend on my summer taxi income to make ends meet. I respect the concept of Uber trying to make a presence on MV, but you know what...it won't work. I won't digress into the legal eagle matters and details, trust me on this...Uber or any other ride service will fail on MV. Sure, maybe it'll have some presence and linger for a bit. That said, I understand that my cab company is a small operation...but is also the best cab service on MV...period. We'll endure. Oh yeah...good luck to Uber drivers with GPS. You'll have a blast trying to find that white cape on Obed Daggett 1.5 miles in at 12AM. Moreover, after operating expenses their drivers won't make much money. As for the 3AM pick up at L'ville...hey the only reason to be there at 3AM is to fish. If you need a ride at 3AM...call us...we will be there. Nuff sed.
Try to be a taxi owner..
Jason WtTry to be a taxi owner.. Maybe you will know what they mean..goodluck everyone!
I say bring them over I bern
shawn Oak bluffsI say bring them over I bern coming to the Island for 30years and I think taxi companys are crooks charging you more money after a certain hour on top of there already ridiculous high rates
My experiences with UBER has
peter Simon ChilmarkMy experiences with UBER has been fine so far in Boston and New York. On the Vineyard, no one will be pointing a gun at our heads to say whether we would want a traditional cab verses at Uber one. Lets let the passenger decide what he or she wants. For better or worse, we live in a capitalist society. We let Stop & Shop have a "branch" (actually, two) here. Should they be barred because they are a nationwide chain? Uber drivers will most likely wind up being mostly Islanders who know the roads. If the regular cabbies think they will be run out of town, let them all upgrade into using social networking, operate cleaner and newer vehicles, and encourage the selectmen relax some of the regulations to create a more equal playing field.
Based on the righteous
Rex Treadwell TisburyBased on the righteous huffing of the taxi owners and drivers above, I think it's time they had their reverse Sally Field moment and realize "You don't like me, You really don't like me!" Those of us who've endured decades of shoddy service, rude and erratic behavior from drivers and a smug, grandiose attitude from owners are all too happy to see them go the way of the travel agents that used to operate on the island before the internet made them dodo birds. It's always fascinating how people who had a "you don't like the service? Tough, we're the only game in town!" Attitude suddenly take their hat in hand and present themselves as Horatio Alger characters when the stranglehold is broken. You've fairly earned the paucity of tears shed if your apocalyptic jeremiads indeed come true.
There are other options
Frank BrunelleThere are other options besides Uber and taxis. It is also possible to post on Craigslist for rides, and this works for some people. Once you have a contact, it is possible to call them for rides or email them even to go to Boston.
The one thing no one has
Susan Stone West TisburyThe one thing no one has mentioned is all the good intentioned kids that work on the island and party down island and want to respect the law and don't drink and dive but rely on cabs to take them home. For a young adult to go out for dinner and drinks and then cab home for $60.00 is awful. I have subsidized all my kids so I did not have to go down island at 1:00am
I have used Uber all over the country, bring on the competition and jobs.
I ride Ubers all the time
Amanda SteeleI ride Ubers all the time when I'm in LA, I think it would be wonderful! The drivers are awesome, and it's a great way to get around with my friends if I didn't want to taxi or take the bus.
Napster and Morpheus upset
Toby Condliffe Toronto, CanadaNapster and Morpheus upset the record companies but today we have iTunes and steaming audio. Yes, the taxi industry will change but taxis can sign up with Uber and have the best of both worlds. Uber will survive and should be embraced on the Vineyard as it has been in so many locales.
Good discussion here. Sorry
Dbar2013 E'villeGood discussion here. Sorry so many of you who have posted here have had poor taxi experiences. I do realize that this is a serious problem and that from the "get-go" regulation of the taxi business on MVY has been a kluster. That said, I stand by my earlier comments that our company maintains clean vehicles, provides courteous service and has a 95%+ on time rate. Hey, if Uber succeeds...good for them. It will happen based on economics. I anticipate a "spirited" vetting process with the selectmen in each town and the taxi company owners. I agree that taxi companies providing poor service and bilking customers for excessive fares well deserve to experience the true impact of competition from taxi or ride service providers who provide better service. I love driving cab, and if it's no longer financially advantageous for me I'll find something else. Let's hope the selectman and relevant legislators will thoughtfully deliberate on the Uber matter and make fair decisions with policies that are transparent and understood by taxi companies, ride service providers and clients.
Yes, UBER is already on the
Ex Cab RiderYes, UBER is already on the island(mainly down island for now)! And let's not forget who is going to drive for them - people from the island! So, no jobs will really get lost, only profits for the island cab company owners, because let's not forget that 75% of all summer drivers are actually people that don't live on the island year-round anyway. And if you need UBER, I'm on part time with them, just evenings, request a ride, see the difference and make your own judgment!
How do the Uber rates compare
just wondering the islandHow do the Uber rates compare with the taxis? Lets assume a summer 'bar closing' in Edg and college students wanted a ride from downtown to OB? or to Katama?
Uber has a base of 5 bucks
uber userUber has a base of 5 bucks and it is 1.21 a mile after the first mile it's also has a fare estimate so you can know how much you will pay before they arrive. Download the app and check it out, it is cheaper than taxis that's why it's been getting so much attention. The public wants the best bargain for their buck.
Thought you might like to see
Dbar2013 E'villeThought you might like to see this link. All ride providers are subject to exploiting their clients. As many of you have pointed out, this practice is all too common with taxi companies on MV. Uber does it too. http://drive.etsintl.net/blog/bid/174697/4-Secrets-Uber-Doesn-t-Want-Yo…
You do realize this is
Island Mike MVYou do realize this is written by a transportation company who will likely feel Ubers impact? Not an unbiased source.
Uber is a fantastic - I use
Frequent Uber CustomerUber is a fantastic - I use it all the time when traveling in multiple cities around the world and have always been pleased with how easy it is to use - Having that option available on island to locals and visitors will be a big plus for all (except cab company owners perhaps) I'm 100% for uber on the island. I feel the current taxi system on island is subpar, inconsistent, confusing - especially to visitors...
I would think as Uber grows
Uber-user AquinnahI would think as Uber grows more and more popular world-wide, its users will be checking Uber availability as they plan their vacations. Knowing Uber operates on the island may be a factor in someone's choice to come here and leave the family car on the mainland.
I have literally taken well
Chris H BostonI have literally taken well over 100 cabs over the past 15 years to and from the ferry and Edgartown and I would be surprised if I paid the same fare for the same route more than a dozen times. The seeming random, "on demand" taxi pricing on the Vineyard (not to mention the multiple starts and stops and crowded vans) is just factored in as part of the experience. I use Uber all around the world in my travels and it is absolutely a fantastic service that is innovative and disruptive and is so successful because it delivers superior value to the consumer. I look forward to my first Uber ride on the Vineyard!
Fascinating- the dominant
Rex Treadwell TisburyFascinating- the dominant chorus from the public is that Uber is a welcome change from the dingy, surly, overpriced service from the cab companies while the only cheerleading for taxis is coming from the drivers and owners feebly trying to justify their endangered existence. Perhaps the taxis can offer CD sales and video tape rentals on the side to go whole hog with their inevitable obsolescence?
What I want to know is what
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburyWhat I want to know is what kind of pay Uber plans to offer its island drivers that will enable it to undercut island cabs and still take a percentage off the top. I'm also curious that this question hasn't come up more often in the earlier comments -- possibly because many of the "up with Uber" crowd never had to make ends meet working island jobs?
Bluefish Taxi has always
Blake Bath ChappyBluefish Taxi has always provided my family with excellent service at reasonable prices, in-season and off-season. While on MVY, I always prefer to buy local. I'm sure there are many others that feel the same way.
Be careful what you wish for:
Backyard Gardner Martha' s VineyardBe careful what you wish for: http://america.aljazeera.com/blogs/scrutineer/2015/4/22/Uber-sues-over-…
I do hope Uber arrives on the
Bill R. ETownI do hope Uber arrives on the Vineyard for the upcoming summer. No more $50 rides with a house full of renters who can't find their home, turning around every 3 minutes. No more stinking, hot, full to the brim piece of crap vans. No more waiting for or picking up passengers. I am all for ride sharing, but not at the current price point. Also, those stinking vans are not exactly eco friendly. Go Uber! Go innovation!
Nearly 10 years ago on our
Not gonna happen EdgartownNearly 10 years ago on our first visit to beautiful MV the family was walking around OB admiring the sights. We were heading back to our legally parked car when my 6 y/o daughter came running over to me absolutely hysterical. She said someone was walking around our car saying they were going to get a hammer and smash the windows.
I ran back to my legally parked car and was met by a local taxi driver who berated me in front of my hysterical daughter in an expletive filled rant for several minutes. It seems that the fast ferry had come in and traffic in the harbor was gridlock, mostly with illegally parked taxis. My legally parked car was making a narrow passage even narrower, which clearly upset this person.
He eventually stopped his rant to take a breath and I was able to point out that my legally parked car was not causing the problem, that he needed to go talk to his illegally parked taxi friends. He muttered a few more expletives and walked away.
We’ve been lucky enough to visit MV many times since then. I would never consider using a taxi, just not going to happen.
The moral of my story for the taxi folks is – Uber isn’t going to kill your business, you’re doing that all by yourselves.
What I find most discerning
VeryAnnoyed Vineyard HavenWhat I find most discerning about this dialog, Uber vs taxis which has warranted over seventy comments. It would be great to see that much debate regarding Local town politics such as participation at Town Meeting, Voting and attending boards meeting. Taking an active interest in the community.
As a woman, I would feel
TinaAs a woman, I would feel nervous about getting into an Uber car.
Why on earth would you be
Island Mike MVWhy on earth would you be concerned with an Uber car - you know who the driver is and what he / she looks like. You even know their name. Much more than with a dirty island, overloaded, 4 stop van....
My daughter and two friends
MarieMy daughter and two friends took a cab from downtown Edgartown to Katama. They were charged $35 for the trip. The cab had a surcharge for the extra passengers.
In NYC three can share a cab without a surcharge. I took an Uber SUV with my family, 5 people in total, a longer distance for $25. Nice clean Suburban.
Go Uber!!!
anonymous local EdgartownGo Uber!!!
If the taxi service wasn't
Jordan Andover, MAIf the taxi service wasn't broken for whatever the reason is, Uber wouldn't survive or change anything.
Unfortunately the taxi service is allegedly hammered unfair regulatory fees.
There are scummy drivers who charge too much to out of towners and throw out random numbers.Yes, it happens to me every summer I go down there... you shouldn't be able to negotiate the "regulated" fairs.
The fairs are ridiculous, and a result of no competition.
How is this Uber competition "unfair"? Taxi services are outdated, just like a lot of other industries that are being disrupted these days. If the local governments need to scramble to catch up to the times, then so be it.
People won't pay for something that is overpriced and undervalued!
So I arrived by boat in Oak
Dave Oak BluffsSo I arrived by boat in Oak Bluffs this past Sunday. Push my cart of bags off the boat, up the ramp, take a left to the ferry stand where Tisbury and Harbor taxi vans are waiting. When I tell them where I am going, the Eastern European accented driver says with a smug grin, "no, he is waiting for the big boat." I point out to both drivers that it is against regulations to sit in a cab stand and refuse a ride. I suggest I go across the street and ask OBPD for assistance. Finally, the other driver agrees. He gets a $14 tip on a $6 ride. En route, the driver calls the cab owner to let him know what transpires. The cab owner suggests I call in advance next time.
Monday, 6:30 pm, I call, as instructed, for a pick up at 7:45. I am told a cab will be there. At 7:45, no cab. 7:55 no cab. I call and am told he will be there in 5 mins. No cab. At 8:00, I seek an alternate route.
I personally welcome Uber to the Island. I don't use it in New York or Boston, but I will only use it for transportation on the Island going forward. There is no reason to suffer with the likes of these drivers, and cab owners that have run roughshod over the visitors and residents for so long. Heck, I may even suggest a weekly column to keep track of my Uber exploits.
All Uber is, is a
Lloyd Hart Oak BluffsAll Uber is, is a sophisticated tax dodge.
What Uber is trying to do is use the public infrastructure like roads, bridges and tunnels without having to pay the licensing fees that everyone else has to for the privilege of using the taxpayer built infrastructure more than the average citizen.
Add new comment