D o m i n i c k M o x o n - Tr i t s c h
Head of EMEA Public Policy
Brussels, 1 April 2014
ONE TAP TO RIDE
CASHLESS &
CONVENIENT
HOW DOES IT WORK?
RELIABLE
PICKUPS
FEEDBACK
MATTERS
CLEAR PRICING
SPLIT YOUR FARE
W H Y I S U B E R I N N O VAT I V E ?
• Technology: Puts GPS technology at the heart of Uber’s business,
making it safe and efficient for passengers and drivers
• Consumers: tap, book, check, pay all in one app
• Drivers: better access to more passengers with guaranteed payment
• Competition: new technology enhances passenger choice and driver
efficiency
• Economy: technology-enabled choice helps small business grow
• Environment: reducing idling limos improves their efficiency
W H Y D O E S I N N O VAT I O N E N C O U N T E R P R O B L E M S ?
•
Blocks to innovation are not new!
• 1635: Thames Watermen got the King to ban the Hackney
Carriage that ran parallel to the Thames
•
1860s: ‘Locomotive Acts’ (‘red flag act’) cut car speeds to 2 mph
in towns and required a man with a red flag or lantern to walk 60
yards in front of each vehicle.
•
Innovation challenges the status quo…
• Machiavelli (The Prince): ‘the innovator has for enemies all those
who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm
defenders in those who may do well under the new.’
•
…and rent-seeking behaviour
• Rent seeking from Adam Smith to Public Choice Theory:
manipulation of politics / regulation to capture income
• Innovation reduces rents and undermines rent-seeking activity
UBER IS GOOD
•
For consumers
• Easy-to-use ordering system using GPS technology
• Transparent pricing
• Quick, convenient, cashless payments
•
For safety
• Thorough driver vetting process
• Restricted access for drivers to the platform
• Visibility: in advance you see the driver and vehicle that is
picking you up; driver knows who is being picked up
•
For drivers
• Objective trip allocation based on geolocation
• Reliable and clear payments
• No fixed fees
•
For cities
• Significant reduction in drunk driving
• Transparency aids local revenue authorities
• Reduced overall number of vehicles
a
Thank you!
UBER
@UBER
UBER.COM