After getting off the ferry

After getting off the ferry in Oak Bluffs Sunday morning, we climbed the ramp, and took a left to find a cab. We came across two cabs in the stand, but alas no one wanted to take us the short way off County. Finally, after threatening to walk to the police station, one gent relented, while the other sat smugly in his cab. I called the owner of both cab companies - the same guy - and let him know neither Atlantic or Harbor taxis wanted to take me. I reminded him I took the cabs all winter from Vineyard Haven and I was simply told to call in advance. I tipped the driver $14 on a $6 fare, and expected better service on the way back.

Wrong. I called the cab at 6:30 for a 7:45 trip to the ferry dock. At 7:55, I called to ask where the cab was. I was told he would be there in 5 mins. At 8:05, I made other plans. No more Tisbury Taxi for me. I am joining the Uber community and I guarantee that I will be the one smugly looking at their drivers when I get off the ferry next time.

• Reply

In a fair market economy such

In a fair market economy such as the island, Uber is a welcome addition. If Uber competition improves the service provided by existing taxi companies, this is a good thing. Given Uber's ride share status, local regulation of Uber is complicated and legally not required. Nonetheless the anticipated concerns expressed by taxi companies and taxi drivers regarding details such as where Uber can pick up fares, drop them off, etc, are well warranted. This is especially true in high traffic venues like OB, VH, and Edgartown. I too wonder about how many more ride provider vehicles on the MV roads will congest what is already a snarl of traffic in these locations? Two dozen Uber drivers may not seem like much of a bump, we'll see. Most comments on this site welcome Uber to MV, express contempt for all things taxi company related and hope that Uber will be the comet that hastens extinction of taxi companies on MV. I understand their grievances. I encourage current Uber-philes and potential new Uber customers to investigate Uber's driver screening policy, their liability insurance and their stated claims to setting fares in resort destinations like MV. Uber will have it's growing pains on MV, no doubt. There will be emotionally charged disputes throughout the season between Uber drivers and taxi companies. In time the selectmen and police will implement intelligent guidelines so Uber and taxi drivers have mutually understood protocols. Me? I would much rather take a taxi on MV...that is with the best taxi services on island...and there are at least 3-4 very good ones which are on time, don't stack fares in like cordwood, have well mannered drivers and maintain clean vehicles. I pay one fare to get from point A to point B...period. What might the Uber fares be going from Edgartown to OB on a typical summer Friday-Sunday when it takes 30 minutes to get there? So much for being 30% cheaper than a taxi. What if the Uber client has to get dropped off at Canonicus with three kids and four suitcases and they have 5 minutes to make the boat? Will Uber refund the fare under such circumstances? How will Uber drivers feel about the "last call" clients that foul their vehicles with vomit? (You never get that smell out of a car.) On the domestic side my daughter wants to drive Uber on MV this summer. As a well behaved MV cabbie with a clean car who has a 95% on time record I'm conflicted. She better not "scoop" fares from me. Anyway, I'm confident we can both coexist driving on MV. However, she might have to start paying the insurance on her car, which I own.

• Reply