Close Menu
  • English
  • Featured
    • AI & Robotics
    • Energy
    • Finance
    • Leisure
    • Science
    • Security
    • Sustainable Development
    • Tech
    • Transport
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Trending
Illustration of quantum simulation of chemical dynamics at the University of Sydney. Image generated by AI.
“Atoms Caught Dancing Live”: Scientists Capture First-Ever Real-Time Motion of Atoms During Intense Light-Driven Events
Illustration of the lithium manganese-rich battery innovation by GM and LG Energy Solution, promising enhanced EV range and efficiency. Image generated by AI.
GM and LG Unveil EV Battery With 33% More Energy, Unlocking Longer Range and Next-Level Performance for the Electric Future
Illustration of the innovative perovskite solar cell achieving 25.3% efficiency. Image generated by AI.
“Solar Breakthrough Bends the Rules”: New Tough Flexible Cell Hits 25% Efficiency, Redefining Clean Energy Tech on Every Surface
Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn RSS
Rude Baguette
Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
Newsletter
  • Featured
  • AI
    Illustration of a high-speed robotic system solving a Rubik's Cube in record time. Image generated by AI.

    US Students Build Record-Smashing Robot That Solves Rubik’s Cube Faster Than the Human Eye Can Follow

    May 18, 2025 at 4:11 PM
    Illustration of Elon Musk's Grok AI referencing controversial claims about South Africa. Image generated by AI.

    “Elon’s AI Spreads ‘White Genocide’ Claims”: Grok Under Fire as Musk’s Platform Amplifies Explosive South Africa Rhetoric

    May 18, 2025 at 11:08 AM
    Illustration of a neuromorphic device mimicking human brain functions for real-time vision processing. Image generated by AI.

    “Robots Can Finally See”: Brain-Inspired Chip Gives Humanoids and Electric Vehicles Instant Vision With Human-Level Perception

    May 18, 2025 at 7:14 AM
    Illustration of Thunder Paws, a robotic dog developed by students at St. John's University, showcasing lifelike tricks and AI capabilities. Image generated by AI.

    “Unbelievable AI Marvel”: This Incredible Robot Dog Captivates Thousands with Mind-Blowing Tricks in Stunning 5-Foot Jumps

    May 18, 2025 at 6:02 AM
    Illustration of Daniel Lalara expressing his thoughts through music. Image generated by AI.

    “AI Gave Me Back My Voice”: Breakthrough Technology Lets Man Speak Again After Losing Speech to a Cruel, Incurable Disease

    May 17, 2025 at 12:01 PM
  • Energy
    Illustration of the lithium manganese-rich battery innovation by GM and LG Energy Solution, promising enhanced EV range and efficiency. Image generated by AI.

    GM and LG Unveil EV Battery With 33% More Energy, Unlocking Longer Range and Next-Level Performance for the Electric Future

    May 19, 2025 at 3:54 PM
    Illustration of the innovative perovskite solar cell achieving 25.3% efficiency. Image generated by AI.

    “Solar Breakthrough Bends the Rules”: New Tough Flexible Cell Hits 25% Efficiency, Redefining Clean Energy Tech on Every Surface

    May 19, 2025 at 11:47 AM
    Illustration of the enhanced energy capacity of electric vehicle batteries using interlocked electrodes. Image generated by AI.

    This Interlocked Electrode Innovation Just Doubled EV Battery Power by 60%, Ushering In a New Era of High-Range Electric Vehicles

    May 19, 2025 at 10:03 AM
    Illustration of vast natural hydrogen reserves beneath the Earth's crust. Image generated by AI.

    “Unlimited Hydrogen Unlocked”: Scientists Discover Way to Harness Earth’s Hidden Fuel Reserves for a Staggering 170,000 Years

    May 19, 2025 at 9:08 AM
    Illustration of the collaboration between Zeon Corporation and Sino Applied Technology to enhance lithium-ion battery technology. Image generated by AI.

    “Stronger Than Steel, Smaller Than Dust”: Carbon Nanotube Paste Unleashes Supercharged Battery Power for Next-Gen EVs

    May 18, 2025 at 9:03 AM
  • Finance
    Illustration of Visa's integration of AI systems into digital payments (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    Visa’s AI Is Now Shopping for You: This Robot May Soon Swipe Your Card Automatically—and Mess With Your Mind

    May 4, 2025 at 8:07 AM
    Microsoft Strikes Unprecedented Deal: World's Largest CO2 Removal at 7.44 Million Tons, Setting New Environmental Milestone

    “Microsoft Strikes Historic Climate Deal”: World’s Largest CO2 Removal Pact Targets 6.75 Million Tons in Unmatched Green Push

    April 19, 2025 at 9:55 AM
    RLWRLD Stuns Tech World With $15.6 Million Fundraise to Revolutionize Robotics: Unleashing Unprecedented Innovations That Will Shock the Industry

    “Robots Just Got Smarter”: RLWRLD Raises $14.8 Million to Build Groundbreaking Foundational AI Model for the Future of Robotics

    April 17, 2025 at 6:47 AM
    Marshmallow's Meteoric Rise: British Migrant Insurance Startup Secures $90 Million, Surges Past $2 Billion Valuation in Unprecedented Move

    “Built for Outsiders, Backed by Billions”: UK’s Marshmallow Raises $90 Million as Migrant-Focused Insurtech Soars Past $2 Billion Valuation

    April 17, 2025 at 6:02 AM
    Why the tech industry needs a labor/union movement

    Why the tech industry needs a labor/union movement

    October 2, 2022 at 3:39 PM
  • Leisure
    Illustration of Mark Zuckerberg's luxury superyachts journey to Norway's fjords for a heliskiing adventure (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Even the U.S. Is Shocked”: Zuckerberg’s 5,300-Mile Yacht Voyage and Helicopter Ski Drop Redefine Billionaire Excess

    May 13, 2025 at 9:49 AM
    Illustration of the delayed release announcement for Grand Theft Auto VI by Rockstar Games (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    Total Shock for Gamers Worldwide: GTA VI Now Postponed to 2026 After Rockstar Vows to Redefine the Entire Franchise

    May 7, 2025 at 5:49 AM
    Illustration of the delayed release of GTA VI and its implications for the gaming industry (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Red Dead Proves the Wait Is Worth It”: Rockstar’s Masterpiece Shows Why GTA 6 Delay Could Deliver Gaming’s Next Big Legend

    May 6, 2025 at 4:47 PM
    Illustration of HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us exploring character depth and emotional storytelling (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    The Last of Us Reinvented: Season 2 Takes Bold Step Beyond the Game’s Limits in Stunning, Unforgettable Storytelling Move

    May 6, 2025 at 12:14 PM
    Illustration of the highly anticipated PlayStation 6 console with advanced features and technologies (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “PlayStation 6 Is Coming Fast”: Sony’s Next Console May Launch Much Sooner Than Anyone Predicted, Shocking the Gaming World

    May 6, 2025 at 10:03 AM
  • Science
    Illustration of quantum simulation of chemical dynamics at the University of Sydney. Image generated by AI.

    “Atoms Caught Dancing Live”: Scientists Capture First-Ever Real-Time Motion of Atoms During Intense Light-Driven Events

    May 20, 2025 at 6:07 AM
    Illustration of a bacterium degrading medical-grade plastic in a hospital setting. Image generated by AI.

    “Superbug Turns Predator”: Mutated Bacteria Now Devours Hospital Implants, Sutures, and Dressings With Terrifying Efficiency

    May 17, 2025 at 9:59 AM
    Illustration of China's advanced LICOMK++ ocean simulator acting as an “ocean microscope.” Image generated by AI.

    “China’s Ocean Simulator Stuns World”: New Tech Recreates Sea Currents With Unmatched Half-Mile Resolution for Climate and Naval Mastery

    May 17, 2025 at 8:50 AM
    Illustration of various spherical and twisted shapes depicting the Kervaire invariant mystery. Image generated by AI.

    This Century’s Most Elusive Math Problem: Chinese Mathematicians Shatter the Kervaire Barrier After Decades of Intellectual Deadlock

    May 17, 2025 at 8:02 AM
    Illustration of dark matter particles. Image generated by AI.

    “Dark Matter in the Crosshairs”: MADMAX Prototype Unleashed to Capture Universe’s Most Elusive Particles With Extreme Precision

    May 16, 2025 at 4:46 PM
  • Security
    Illustration of US Marines using advanced night vision goggles in low-light conditions. Image generated by AI.

    “See Without a Sound”: New 2-Pound Goggles Let US Marines Hunt in Total Darkness With Stealth Precision Never Seen Before

    May 19, 2025 at 6:12 AM
    Illustration of the XM30 infantry fighting vehicle developed through virtual simulations. Image generated by AI.

    “Designed to Dominate Before Deployment”: US Army Builds Deadly XM30 Combat Vehicle Entirely in Virtual Space Before War

    May 18, 2025 at 8:04 AM
    Illustration of the BlueWhale System, an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle designed for naval warfare, equipped with sophisticated sensors (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Unstoppable Sea Phantom”: This 40-Foot Drone Submarine Dominates Ocean Warfare, Packed with Massive Combat-Ready Payloads for Ultimate Naval Supremacy

    May 11, 2025 at 5:04 PM
    Illustration of the FP-1 long-range drone being unveiled during Ukraine's Infantry Day celebrations (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    Ukraine Unleashes Game-Changing 1,000-Mile Drone: This Aerial Beast Hauls 265-Pound Explosive Payload, Shattering Boundaries of Modern Warfare

    May 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
    Illustration of Recce360 Deep Inspection Camera operating in a high-security, nuclear environment (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Indestructible Spy Bot Deployed”: US Unveils First-Ever Nuke-Proof Robot to Guard Missile Silos With Unstoppable Surveillance

    May 11, 2025 at 8:07 AM
  • Impact
    Illustration of Altilium's innovative recycled EV battery manufacturing process. Image generated by AI.

    Recycling Record Shattered: EcoCathode Achieves 95% EV Battery Metal Recovery, Redefining Global Standards for Green Tech Efficiency

    May 19, 2025 at 7:02 AM
    Illustration of Bill Gates announcing his $200 billion donation plan and the future closure of the Gates Foundation. Image generated by AI.

    “$200 Billion Goodbye”: Bill Gates to Shut Down Gates Foundation by 2045 After Record-Setting Final Donation Pledge

    May 15, 2025 at 4:03 PM
    Illustration of Iceland's successful implementation of a four-day workweek and its impact on productivity and well-being (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Gen Z Was Right All Along”: Iceland’s 4-Day Workweek Proves a Massive Success Five Years After Bold National Shift

    May 12, 2025 at 7:54 AM
    Illustration of the majestic Jeddah Tower under construction, symbolizing architectural innovation and cultural preservation (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Saudi Arabia Unleashes Construction Fury”: This Mind-Blowing 3,280-Foot Jeddah Tower Set to Shatter Global Records and Redefine Skyscraper History

    May 6, 2025 at 3:59 PM
    Illustration of the ambitious Neom project and The Line skyscrapers amidst the Saudi Arabian desert (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Unprecedented Crisis Looms”: This Massive $500 Billion Construction Site Faces Catastrophic Delays as 10,000 Workers Sound the Alarm

    May 6, 2025 at 7:08 AM
  • Tech
    Illustration of Tesla's Cortex 2.0 supercomputer cluster at Giga Texas enhancing AI capabilities. Image generated by AI.

    Tesla’s Cortex 2.0 Supercomputer to Power Optimus and Full Self-Driving EVs in Radical Leap Toward Total AI Integration

    May 19, 2025 at 7:56 AM
    Illustration of France's Jean Zay supercomputer and its impact on scientific research and artificial intelligence. Image generated by AI.

    1 Second vs. 182 Days: France’s New Supercomputer Delivers Mind-Blowing Speeds That Leave All of Humanity in the Dust

    May 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
    Illustration of Elon Musk's Colossus supercomputer aiming for one million GPUs. Image generated by AI.

    “Musk Builds Digital Giant”: Colossal Supercomputer With 1 Million GPUs Set to Redefine AI Power and Dominate Global Compute Race

    May 17, 2025 at 4:51 PM
    Illustration of a hair-thin EEG electrode made from 3D-printed hydrogel for advanced brain monitoring. Image generated by AI.

    “Brain Signals, Clearer Than Ever”: New Hair-Thin Electrode Delivers Ultra-Stable, High-Precision Monitoring for Advanced Neural Research

    May 17, 2025 at 6:01 AM
    Illustration of an advanced headphone system translating multiple speakers simultaneously. Image generated by AI.

    “Real-Time Babel Unlocked”: U.S. Researchers Build Headphones That Translate Multiple People Simultaneously With Shocking Accuracy

    May 16, 2025 at 12:06 PM
  • Transport
    Illustration of Waymo robotaxis involved in a software recall due to collision incidents. Image generated by AI.

    Waymo Recalls 1,200 Autonomous Taxis After Crash Spree Involving Poles, Gates, and Serious AI Navigation Failures

    May 18, 2025 at 10:03 AM
    Illustration of the Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle achieving GPS-independent navigation. Image generated by AI.

    “US Jet Flies Without GPS”: Hypersonic Aircraft Gets AI Brain Upgrade to Navigate at Blistering Speeds With Zero Satellite Support

    May 17, 2025 at 4:03 PM
    Illustration of Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket demonstrating space-based cargo delivery. Image generated by AI.

    “Space Rockets for War Cargo”: Pentagon Plans Orbital Delivery System to Drop Supplies Anywhere on Earth Within Minutes

    May 15, 2025 at 5:09 PM
    Illustration of the Boom Supersonic XB-1 aircraft achieving supersonic flight without a sonic boom (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Plane Just Did the Impossible: Achieved Supersonic Speed Without Creating a Sonic Boom in Historic Aviation Breakthrough

    May 14, 2025 at 4:57 PM
    Illustration of the Streetwing flying car showcasing its innovative design and dual-functionality (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Flying Car Isn’t for Commuting: The Streetwing Is Designed Solely to Explore the Sky Like Nothing Ever Seen Before

    May 14, 2025 at 6:11 AM
  • English
Rude Baguette

What has really changed with Uber?

Eirwen WilliamsEirwen WilliamsAugust 11, 2014 at 8:30 AM0
Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Follow Us
Google News
Share
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Copy Link

0113_Paris_cabs_630x420

As a voice comes over the crackly speakers of my London/Paris Eurostar train welcoming me to Paris, I’ve already got my smartphone out and I’ve geolocalized myself on Uber where I’d like to be picked up just in front of the train station. It’s become more than a habit for me to anticipate my arrival, as Uber has become not only an integral part of my urban transportation, but’s also become something I must plan around. Let me explain.

Uber’s success in France hasn’t been atypical – it has confronted with local taxi authorities, has lobbied the government for chauffeur-friendly regulation, and has seen local rivals, like SnapCar, grow up around the ecosystem that it has fostered.

Currently in France, there is so much legislation in process – everything from banning Uber from using geolocalization to changing their receipts – that it’s hard to keep track of what is what. Speaking with former Atlas Venture director and Uber’s newest Paris GM Thibaud Simphal (I guess that’s change #1), I learned that Uber’s biggest problem today is getting new drivers:

“The Government has been freezing new VTC (chauffeured cars) licences since Feb 2014 while a taxi/VTC mediation led by Thomas Thévenoud (a Member of Parliament) was happening. This has resulted in several thousands of drivers not obtaining their VTC licence over the past 6 months and being prevented from working, and therefore in Uber not being able to onboard as many drivers as we could have on the network.” – Thibaud Simphal

The “mediation” in question has been summarized in a draft bill led by Socialist parliament member Thomas Thévenoud, who’s propositions include the following:

  1. A State-developer, free geolocalization service for Taxi’s
  2. A ban on VTC Apps (Uber, Snapcar, etc.) from geolocalizing their drivers for customers.
  3. A ban on VTC drivers to park at airports or train stations
  4. A requirement for all taxi’s to accept Debit/Credit Card as a payment method

The bill is set to be examined by the National Assembly in September – for the moment, almost everything is up in the air, but Simphal says Uber has to be ready for another “15-minute law.”

In the meantime, Uber has counteracted the frozen VTC licenses with the timely release of UberPop, which came within days of the announcement of the license freeze; however, as any marketplace-owner knows, the inability to grow supply limits the growth of demand.

Uber has a growing problem with its existing drivers.

The first friction point I encounter comes with ordering an Uber, namely that between the time where I geolocalize my position to the point of ordering an Uber (two clicks on my screen), I often find that the closest driver is not the driver who accepts my trip.

Of course, I understand how ‘on-demand’ work, and, as Simphal pointed out during our email exchange, this comes more often when there is high-demand; however, when my ETA changes from 3 minutes to 16 minutes, the desire to use an Uber (instead of a taxi or metro) changes, and if you’re not paying attention, Uber charges an up to 10€ cancellation charge if you cancel more than 5 minutes after ordering (i.e: when you realize your Uber isn’t coming in 3 minutes as you initially thought). Simphal says the solution is unfreezing VTC licenses; however, I think a simple product design switch could make the experience more transparent, and result in less cancelled rides (charge or no charge).

Victim of their own success

Any frequent Uber user knows that every Uber driver backs multiple chargers for smartphones (part of their customer-centric attitude); however, Uber drivers also carry multiple phones. One for each chauffeur service, many of which are non-exclusive for drivers. A habit I’ve seen recently develop is for Uber drivers to peruse ride offers on other services while driving with me in the car, normally towards the end of the ride, in anticipation of dropping me off – sometimes even accepting rides before I’m out of the car.

This is strictly against Uber’s policy, which says that, for safety and customer service reasons, Uber drivers are not allowed to accept overlapping rides. Uber explicitly disables their functionality in their own app; however, there’s virtually no way to policy drivers to see if they are using multiple services at the same time, save for some sort of inter-app partnership.

As a customer, this means that, when I call for an Uber, I often observe drivers continue to drive for blocks, clearly heading to another destination before turning to come get me. Simphal defends the behavior, saying often drivers can’t make U-turns immediately, so they appear to be driving in the opposite direction; however, given that I can watch the driver on Uber’s map driving through the city, it’s pretty easy to see when someone doesn’t make a turn that would lead them to you.

I’m not too worried about government legislation, nor the frozen VTC licenses – this is the natural friction that comes with disruption; however, as I roll into Gare du Nord in Paris, I have become accustomed to anticipating an app with friction in the customer experience – unclear ETAs, drivers accepting multiple pick-ups at once – and this may be the bigger than any legislative threat to Uber. It’s an attack on customer perception.

Did you like it? 4.5/5 (23)

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Follow on Google News Follow on X (Twitter)
Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Previous ArticleThe Pirate Summit: Europe’s most ‘unique’ Tech Conference
Next Article [Interview] Dashlane Cofounder Alexis Fogel discusses their simple, secure and universal solution
Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Trending
Illustration of quantum simulation of chemical dynamics at the University of Sydney. Image generated by AI.
“Atoms Caught Dancing Live”: Scientists Capture First-Ever Real-Time Motion of Atoms During Intense Light-Driven Events
Illustration of the lithium manganese-rich battery innovation by GM and LG Energy Solution, promising enhanced EV range and efficiency. Image generated by AI.
GM and LG Unveil EV Battery With 33% More Energy, Unlocking Longer Range and Next-Level Performance for the Electric Future
Illustration of the innovative perovskite solar cell achieving 25.3% efficiency. Image generated by AI.
“Solar Breakthrough Bends the Rules”: New Tough Flexible Cell Hits 25% Efficiency, Redefining Clean Energy Tech on Every Surface
News by category
  • English
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leisure
  • Transport
  • Science
  • Security
  • AI & Robotics
  • Energy
  • Sustainable Development
Information
  • Meet the Team
  • Legal notice
  • Privacy policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
© RudeBaguette.com. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.