Research Proposal: The War On Uber

Research Proposal The War On Uberabstractfor More Than Three Years No

Research Proposal: The war on Uber Abstract For more than three years now, Uber has been a controversial subject, and my research team is out to find why it is happening so. This is research is aimed at discovering what drove Uber into the taxi war, how this war began, why is the war still on and how we can potentially solve this war. In this project, we shall start by diving into some aspects of the literature review to have a better understanding of what Uber is and how it works. Later, we look into online platforms to see what has been happening with this particular trend universally. From an online view, we see that there are lots of issues between the new Uber technology app movement and the Orthodox taxi industry.

Later, we take up the roles of relevant research online communities and covert ethnographers on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms. Looking at more than 300 posts from individuals all over the globe, sorting through these posts, we collected about 150 of all the posts. We code them and end up with four main classifications; people who are in support of Uber, those who are against it, those who are unable to make a choice between Uber and traditional taxis and those who are angered by the violence taxi strikes have targeted to Uber taxi drivers during their protests. In assumption, we manage to observe that Uber has many supporters for its company and operations all around the world.

With an extensive and increasing range of new users to those who use their services frequently, this business that is app-based has many people backing up what they are trying to do with the purpose of bringing the world to a whole new level of simplicity and comfort gained in technological advancement. However, even with the high support Uber company has received, there seem to be people who do not agree with the change they are trying to introduce. In this scenario, traditional taxi businesses have proven to be the biggest threat facing Uber not only concerning business but also to the company drivers as regular taxi drivers have developed the tendency to be very violent when protesting against Uber and its operations.

Even though traditional taxi drivers are the biggest threat to Uber, the company still has internal issues that they need to solve. These questions revolve around the new concepts that Uber has brought into the market that operates against the law, and the law has no provision for dealing with that particular business. In this case, Uber has the option of getting away with lots of things because they have the ability to evade certain accusations basing on the truth that no law will cause them to be accountable. In this proposal, we recommend that solving these issues will first of all begin with making orthodox cab companies and operators realize that if they need to be in competition with Uber, they first need to be engaging in what Uber is also doing.

The main difference between traditional taxi companies and Uber is that the traditional companies are reputable all around the world and this would be an advantage in this scenario against Uber. Secondly, if the traditional taxi industry does not want and cannot transform to operate within Uber’s arena, then Uber will still be advantageous in this situation even the more. The company is already operational in 75 countries and closes 500 cities all over the world (Uber Estimate 2016). Looking at Uber future operational strategies, it is evident that they have a potential to expand, even more, have an increased customer review, more clients, and more revenue. All in all, they still have to remember their employees.

During my research, I have come across articles of drivers protesting under the complaint of Uber’s poor working conditions, yet these drivers are not asking for much. In this matter, I think Uber should take some action in trying to provide its workers with better working conditions. This is because when employees are happy, the customers are euphoric. Introduction In researching about Uber, the company is a multinational online network of transport that was founded by Travis Kalanick & Garett Camp in 2009. To run its operations, Uber employs the use of an application for a smartphone that cab drivers can use in providing transport services that are relatively cheaper compared to regular transportation services.

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Uber has significantly transformed the transportation industry since its inception in 2009, challenging the traditional taxi services and reshaping urban mobility worldwide. As a technology-driven company, Uber's disruptive business model has sparked widespread debate, regulatory challenges, and fierce competition, leading to what is commonly referred to as the "Uber taxi war." This conflict involves various stakeholders, including traditional taxi drivers, regulatory bodies, consumers, and Uber itself, each with divergent interests and perspectives.

The origins of the Uber taxi war can be traced back to Uber's rapid expansion and the perceived regulatory evasion that accompanied its growth. Unlike traditional taxi services, which require extensive licensing, vehicle inspections, and driver training, Uber positioned itself as a technology platform, allowing private vehicle owners with minimal licensing to offer rides. This shift led to protests from established taxi operators who viewed Uber's approach as unfair and unregulated. The core issues fueling the conflict include differences in regulatory compliance, pricing strategies, licensing requirements, and service standards.

One of the primary drivers of the Uber taxi war is regulatory inconsistency. Many countries and cities lack comprehensive laws to govern ride-sharing platforms, resulting in legal gray areas. Uber's classification as a technology company rather than a transportation provider enabled it to bypass traditional licensing and vehicle standards, sparking resistance from regulators and taxi unions. The traditional taxi industry argues that Uber's operational model undermines safety standards, tax revenue, and fair competition. Conversely, Uber advocates for regulatory reforms that accommodate new mobility solutions, emphasizing consumer benefits such as affordability and convenience.

The violent protests and strikes by taxi drivers are significant manifestations of ongoing tensions. These protests, often characterized by strikes, blockades, and sometimes violence, aim to pressure authorities to impose stricter regulations on Uber or to restrict its operations altogether. The conflict's escalation can be attributed to economic concerns—such as loss of income—and perceived threats to traditional livelihood sources. Social media has amplified these tensions, with online communities on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook expressing passionate opinions for and against Uber. These digital spaces have become battlegrounds for public opinion, shaping perceptions and influencing policy debates.

In examining the roots of these conflicts, it is evident that the war is fueled not only by economic interests but also by cultural and regulatory differences among countries. In some regions, governments have embraced Uber's business model, integrating it into urban transportation systems with specific regulations. In others, outright bans or severe restrictions have been enacted. For example, in London, Uber faced a license suspension in 2019 over safety concerns, reigniting debates over its legality. This dynamic exemplifies the ongoing struggle to balance innovation with regulation.

Strategically, resolving the Uber taxi war requires a multi-faceted approach. Regulatory bodies should consider creating adaptive frameworks that recognize ride-sharing as a distinct service category, balancing safety, licensing, and consumer protection with innovation. Both Uber and traditional taxi operators can benefit from collaboration—Uber can adopt more stringent driver vetting processes and contribute to public safety measures, while taxi companies can innovate by integrating app-based solutions. Additionally, stakeholder engagement and transparent dialogue are crucial for crafting policies that foster fair competition and economic sustainability.

Importantly, the future of Uber and the taxi industry hinges on addressing internal issues such as driver working conditions, pay structures, and job security. Many Uber drivers have protested poor working conditions, arguing for fair wages, job stability, and benefits. Improving these conditions can enhance service quality and public perception, fostering loyalty among drivers and customers alike. Uber's efforts in this regard can serve as a model for sustainable gig economy practices. Moreover, legal reforms should aim to ensure equitable treatment, compliance with safety standards, and accountability.

In conclusion, the Uber taxi war exemplifies the broader challenge of regulating disruptive innovation within traditional industries. It underscores the need for adaptive regulatory policies, stakeholder cooperation, and ethical standards in the gig economy. By fostering dialogue and embracing technological advancements responsibly, cities can develop transportation systems that are safe, fair, and innovative—ultimately benefiting society as a whole. As Uber continues to expand into new markets and diversify its services, ongoing conflict resolution and regulatory adaptation will remain vital for sustainable urban mobility.

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