Uber Takes the Passing Lane: Disruptive Competition and Taxi-Livery Service Regulations

Abstract

It is rare that municipalities have the opportunity to remake a significant portion of key infrastructure, and to do so without significant cost burden on the citizens. The advent of Uber and similar entities that have moved the ride-sharing concept into the 21st century provide that unique chance in the public transportation arena. However, cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are responding to Uber as a threat to established taxi-livery services and their accompanying regulatory structures rather than an opportunity for modernization. in order to capitalize on this transformative moment, cities and governments must rethink and address decades-old rules, regulations, and entrenched interests. The benefits to and acceptance by the public that surround the ride-sharing movement are unprecedented. Whether today's politicians and regulators have the courage and foresight to embrace this fundamental change will determine the long-term success and the meaningful evolution of our national transportation newtork.