The American internet start up company offering a taxi service to smart phone users has caused a lot of friction between drivers and traditional taxi firms. Accused of flouting French employment rules and taxi regulations, Uber has nevertheless had a greater impact on reducing unemployment than almost any government initiative. One quarter of the drivers recruited were previously unemployed and their services are much appreciated by the public. The image many of us have of "minicabs" of a clapped out Nissan driven by a newly arrived immigrant is long gone. The cars demanded by Uber must be modern, clean and comfortable - and the requirements for drivers are that they have a clean licence, knowledge of the area and how to operate the smartphone technology (though not when driving of course). The presence of the VTCs (voitures de tourisme avec conducteur) has led to taxi strikes and go-slows and government criticism, but consumers are voting with their smartphones and the vested interests may need to adapt rather than complain.
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