Washingtonians are always looking for a cheap, quick way to navigate around the city — all those important people with all those important things to do. Uber appeared to be the reliable taxi alternative. But it can be pricy. There’s also the Sidecar app, which is getting competitive with a relaunch this week and by offering something the D.C. resident really wants: a possibly cheaper ride, phone chargers and other amenities outlined in this story on Verge.
But not everyone’s happy about it.
Certainly not Alfred LaGasse, Chief Executive Officer of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association, who thinks Sidecar will gouge customers, not help ease their financial pain.
The following is the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association’s response to Sidecar’s announcement of its new pricing policy, which allows Sidecar drivers to set their own prices:
“Sidecar’s new ‘pricing policy’–which allows drivers to establish their own fares–is similar to Uber’s extremely unpopular ‘surge-pricing.’ If Sidecar drivers can set their own price, would taxi drivers also be allowed to do this? It’s one thing to shop for the best price for a pair of shoes, but should you have to bargain and haggle when you need a trip to the doctor, airport, in a snowstorm or during a natural disaster?
“Taxicab rates are established by local governmental authority. The rates must be charged according to a meter and the driver can lose his license if he over charges. Sidecar drivers will gouge passengers at will, violating local laws against this that have been in place and protecting citizens for decades.”
What do you think Mirror readers? Write and let me know what service you use most, which you like best and your taken on finding the cheapest ride around town at Betsy@DailyCaller.com or TheMirror@DailyCaller.com.