Despite a wave of industry change from ride-hailing companies, there are still taxi drivers in San Diego. You can also request a ride from a United Taxi Workers of San Diego (UTWSD) driver. But now, like Uber and Lyft, these taxis also have apps.
“Starting Saturday, all you have to do is go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for Ride United. You’ll see ‘Ride United (Passengers),’ and click Download like any other app. Just do it,” said Lily Irani, a communication professor at the University of California, San Diego.
Irani, who previously worked at Google, helped design an app called Ride United. She got input from her UTWSD driver and partnered with software company YAMSOL LLC on its design.
In fact, you don’t have to wait until Saturday. It is already available for download.
“It automatically loads your current address,” Irani said, demonstrating Ride United on her phone. “Make sure it’s correct. And you can stop wherever you want.”
San Diego’s taxi industry has experienced a lot of change and disruption, and not just because of competition from ride-hailing services. Before 2014, there was a cap on taxi permits, creating a black market where permits, also known as medallions, sold for $160,000 each.
United Taxi Workers founder and director Mikhail Hussein said drivers were now self-employed and there was no longer a limit to the number of drivers who could work in the industry.
“We are called independent contractors. That’s why we all are too. Once we get the permit, we will be self-employed,” Hussain said. “It used to be 3,000 yen. Now… it costs $1,600 to get a permit.”
Hussain said the app is a step in the direction of bringing innovation to the industry.
Irani said the rise of companies operating ride-hailing apps simply reflects the way consumers ride today. People don’t think they need to call a dispatcher.
“People have developed a habit of getting into their cars where they pull out their phones and get a quote for a ride. That’s what we’re trying to provide,” Irani said.
Taxi drivers in San Diego face stiff competition from major ride-hailing companies. They promote their products by saying their businesses are regulated locally, rather than statewide like Uber or Lyft, and that they don’t have rush-hour surge fees.
It also says the majority of the fares paid by customers go to drivers. According to Hussein, it’s 94%.
“There’s a 6% city-approved technology fee. That’s all we’re charging drivers right now,” he said.
Taxi and rideshare revenues are complex based on tips, fares, and ridership. But Uber’s “ride rate” (the percentage the company takes in from each ride) is much higher, at 29%, as seen in this year’s quarterly report.
There’s plenty of room for grievances in the taxi industry, including regulations and insurance costs. But driver Abebe Antalo said her control over her business and influence over the Ride United app is why she continues to drive. .
“I’ve grown up in this company. I’m also the one who started this, so that’s my choice. Freedom. Independence. Work for yourself. That’s why I’m here,” Ancaro said. said.
United Taxi Workers will be holding an event to talk about the Ride United app at Colina del Sol Park in City Heights on Saturday at 1 p.m.