FL: Uber driver shoots/kills attempted robber

[Flightmare]

http://wsvn.com/news/local/police-uber- ... ed-robber/

[vjallen75]

Sounds like a justifiable shot. Before reading the story I figured, well I'm not surprised. Looks like Uber had nothing to do with it.

I did find one thing worth noting:

Uber company policy prohibits both drivers and passengers from carrying firearms.

Can they do that in Texas because of the castle doctrine?

[TexasJohnBoy]

Their policy is all together stupid and I'll never entertain using that service because of it. This is a perfect example of why that policy is stupid.

[Flightmare]

A buddy of mine uses Uber all the time (legally blind, so cannot see well enough to get a DL). He said that one of the drivers he uses regularly carries as well.

[ScottDLS]

Sounds like a justifiable shot. Before reading the story I figured, well I'm not surprised. Looks like Uber had nothing to do with it.

I did find one thing worth noting:

Uber company policy prohibits both drivers and passengers from carrying firearms.

Can they do that in Texas because of the castle doctrine?

Since drivers are independent contractors they can carry if they want to, and Uber can refuse to use them as drivers if they find out. It's a useless policy on Uber's part. But, so what? Maybe Uber will instruct their Texas drivers to post 30.06/7 signs on their vehicles, though they might obstruct the driver's view...

[vjallen75]

Since drivers are independent contractors they can carry if they want to, and Uber can refuse to use them as drivers if they find out. It's a useless policy on Uber's part. But, so what? Maybe Uber will instruct their Texas drivers to post 30.06/7 signs on their vehicles, though they might obstruct the driver's view...

[Abraham]

Why would you call for an Uber car rather than a taxi?

Are they way less costly or ...?

I would trust a taxi company quicker than some other stranger in an unofficial (if you will) car?

What's to tell you the uber car driver isn't some nefarious someone...?

[Soccerdad1995]

Why would you call for an Uber car rather than a taxi?

Are they way less costly or ...?

I would trust a taxi company quicker than some other stranger in an unofficial (if you will) car?

What's to tell you the uber car driver isn't some nefarious someone...?

I have the same concerns with Taxi drivers.

Uber tends to get to me quicker, and the lower level offering is usually cheaper than a taxi, with a nicer vehicle than a taxi.

[Flightmare]

Why would you call for an Uber car rather than a taxi?

Are they way less costly or ...?

I would trust a taxi company quicker than some other stranger in an unofficial (if you will) car?

What's to tell you the uber car driver isn't some nefarious someone...?

When he used to have to get a ride home from work for an emergency, (normally he rides to/from with a co-worker) it would cost him $25 with a cab and $15 with Uber (not including tip).

[steveincowtown]

Why would you call for an Uber car rather than a taxi?

Are they way less costly or ...?

I would trust a taxi company quicker than some other stranger in an unofficial (if you will) car?

What's to tell you the uber car driver isn't some nefarious someone...?

Between work and pleasure I average 100+ rides a year, so I feel like I can speak to these questions.

#1> Uber is cheaper than a cab.

#2> Uber gives you a live map showing exactly when your driver will show up. It also provides a license plate number, a photo of the driver, a car description and a star rating. You will never get this info on your cab.

#3> When you call an Uber your star rating is displayed to them as well. They may refuse the ride if they don't like your star rating.

#4> You rate the Uber driver on every ride. If he falls below 4.5 stars out of 5 on total riders he has to take a class. He has a way more vested interest in making sure you have a smooth ride than a cab driver.

#5> Uber drivers do not know where you are going until they arrive at your pickup point. This is important, as this keeps them from refusing a short ride. Back in the day of cabs only it was a miracle if I could get a cab from the restaurant/bar area town to my house as it was only 2 miles. The cabbies would just refuse to pick up when the call came over the radio.

#6> When I travel I take Uber to and from the airport. It is always cheaper than parking and keeps me from having to terminal jump at DFW to get to my car, wait for the bus, etc. etc.

The main difference is both participants in an Uber rider have a vested interest. The driver has a rating to maintain, and must do this by providing a safe ride in a decent vehicle. The rider has a rating to maintain and to do this cannot act out, be rude, or cause damage to the car.


Back to the OP...this should be changed to "former Uber Driver...." Based on current policy he will be kicked out of the system.

[ScottDLS]

I use them all the time in DFW VA DC CA NYC etc. Great way to get around out of town and easier to hail by far. The charge your CC and you can print a receipt from website with a map and fare details for an expense report. Most of the drivers I've met really like it. I hear they have this in Mexico City now too. Great for us gringos with crappy Spanish.

[warpdrive]

Can they do that in Texas because of the castle doctrine?

I don't think the castle doctrine applies unless the robber tries to enter the vehicle.

[rotor]

Uber gun policy seems to be like Costco. You know how they feel, your choice to support them or not.To me it is like shopping at a store with a 30.06.

[Bitter Clinger]

I don't patronize Uber, because of the anti 2nd amendment policy. I have a fraternity brother, now retired, who makes his spending money as an Uber driver around Boston, he loves doing it....so far....

[mojo84]

Why would you call for an Uber car rather than a taxi?

Are they way less costly or ...?

I would trust a taxi company quicker than some other stranger in an unofficial (if you will) car?

What's to tell you the uber car driver isn't some nefarious someone...?

Used a service similar to Uber in Austin last week. We hailed the ride via the app and the car pulled up within 3 minutes. The very clean two year old vehicle was driven by an upper middle aged woman that was very nice and well spoken. The cost was about 30% less than the dirty well worn taxi driven by a foreigner that could barely understand where I wanted to go.

I understand being skeptical of new things but just because something is new and different doesn't mean it is bad. I also put little trust into the government vetting and supervision of taxi drivers.