We have read about taxi strikes and demonstrations throughout France, mainly related to the government's moves to de-regulate certain businesses (pharmacies; notaires; driving schools and taxis entre autres).
But taxi drivers' main target are the so-called "VTC" (vehicules de tourisme avec chauffeur) , what we might call minicabs. These are taxis driven by private owners who are not subject to the same rules as licensed cabs. The market is being transformed by an American internet based operation called Uber, which allows smartphone users to download an app (application) and will arrange a car at a specific time and place at much the same price, if not less.
The Financial Times correspondent incurred the wrath of taxis drivers (and Le Figaro) by suggesting that Paris taxis were "rude, dirty, aggressive and bad drivers" who hated children. Whereas Uber drivers were smiling, helpful, have sweets for your kids and a bottle of water for the passenger. This he attributed to Uber's recruitment, training and, importantly, appraisal systems. Their drivers are required to meet standards or they will be removed from the app. Licensed drivers are secure and protected by various regulations and less inclined to provide what passengers regard as good service.
We have no experience of either, but we were told by someone who frequently uses New York taxis that the Uber drivers are more polite (and you can specify a woman driver if you are a lone woman passenger) and their cars are more comfortable. We recall being subjected to an evangelical ride from downtown Manhattan to the Met, when the driver insisted we listen to tapes of some preacher. That's what we call "rude".
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
