> the brave new gig job world is different: less training, more inexperienced drivers, more layers of contractors and subcontractors, drivers under very aggressive time pressure, drivers in vehicles with which they are unfamiliar, and drivers on routes with which they are unfamiliar.
This seems to apply to Uber drivers in the UK - I've never been in one, but as a pedestrian they are terrible drivers compared to taxis, I frequently witness them driving through zebra crossings and red lights while pedestrians are using them... taxis are the complete opposite, they go out of their way to be nice to pedestrians, after all they are potential customers.
> taxis are the complete opposite, they go out of their way to be nice to pedestrians
You must be living in a different UK to me (and everyone else based on the general consensus of taxis)!
Uber drivers have to drive well else they'll be reviewed poorly. If someone leaves a 1* review for their Uber driver saying that they drove through a red, there will be serious repercussions. Try complaining about a similar thing to a taxi company and see how that works out for you.
> Uber drivers have to drive well else they'll be reviewed poorly. If someone leaves a 1* review for their Uber driver saying that they drove through a red, there will be serious repercussions.
I really doubt that, people riding in ubers are too busy on their phones... and often the drivers are too which is why they are so unobservant.
Taxis in between jobs are on the look out for being hailed, they have their eyes on the road and on the street.
This is empirical, if you watch enough of them while they are around pedestrian crossings see how attentive they are by comparison.
In terms of quality of drivers respecting other cars: regular car drivers > taxi drivers > Uber drivers.
Uber drivers are the worst to drive near to. They do all sorts of stupid things like pull over in spots where they SHOULD not, all to pick up or drop off passengers.
I see it time and time again. They prioritise their customer over the road rules and respect for other vehicles.
Taxi drivers also drive faster than Uber drivers, who seem to enjoy sitting well under the speed limit.
This seems to apply to Uber drivers in the UK - I've never been in one, but as a pedestrian they are terrible drivers compared to taxis, I frequently witness them driving through zebra crossings and red lights while pedestrians are using them... taxis are the complete opposite, they go out of their way to be nice to pedestrians, after all they are potential customers.