Dear Editor: The following is a letter to the Hoboken City Council regarding Uber and taxi service in Hoboken.
To the honorable members of the Hoboken City Council:
I understand that the city council has been discussing Uber versus taxi service in Hoboken.
To anyone who has used both services, it is clear that there is no comparison between the two. Uber offers a completely different service than a Hoboken taxi. For example, with Uber:
1. You can get an Uber car anywhere at any time, usually in less than 5 minutes.
2. The driver’s name and customer service rating, and the car’s make, model and license number are supplied immediately.
3. The driver can be contacted before arrival via phone or text, and the request can easily be canceled before arrival.
4. Drivers will help passengers with luggage and with getting in and out of cars.
5. If there is any problem with a ride or a driver, Uber can be contacted via email and a response is usually received in less than an hour.
6. Uber will take you anywhere in New Jersey, Westchester, and any of the 5 boroughs of New York and a fare estimate is available before a request is made.
7. The cars usually have water, candy and charging stations for mobile devices.
8. The actual location of the car is visible on the Uber GPS system.
9. In addition to a regular car, “black” cars and SUVs are available at a higher price.
10. No cash or credit card is required. Credit cards are charged directly by Uber. (It is necessary to set up an account and have a smart phone to use the service.)
None of the above applies to a Hoboken taxi. (I don’t know if it is even possible to get a Hoboken taxi to come to a home for a pickup.)
There have been claims that Uber is illegal. I believe that if two individuals, using social networking, contact each other and exchange money for a service or product, there are no legal issues. Millions of similar transactions are happening every day, from eBay to tech support.
Finally, from a personal standpoint, my quality of life has been greatly improved by Uber. Mobility issues have limited my activity in the past, but Uber gives me a rapid, inexpensive option to conveniently travel anywhere in the greater metropolitan area, from door to door.
I strongly suggest that the mayor, the city council and the City of Hoboken welcome Uber as a significant improvement to quality of life for seniors, the disabled and all others looking for convenient, inexpensive, reliable and safe transportation alternatives. That, in turn, makes Hoboken a more attractive and desirable place to live.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurence B. Henriques