Is Uber really cheaper than a St. John's cab? The answer might surprise you
CBC
Uber's here, but it's not yet clear how the ride-hailing platform will affect cab companies, taxi driver income or ride availability in metro St. John's.
The global company launched its service this week in Newfoundland and Labrador's most populated area, altering the transportation landscape in a place that's only ever known traditional taxis.
It's also not clear what differences — if any — customers will encounter, especially now that the city's two major cab companies offer their own apps, with which riders can book, cancel and track drivers.
CBC News took a few rides around the city this week to compare experiences, and find out whether all the hype about Uber is warranted — and whether the ride-hailing app is really as affordable as it's been made out to be.
Jiffy Cabs's app isn't quite as spiffy as Uber's.
It refused my payment — leaving me bewildered and forced to pay by credit inside the car instead — but took less than a minute to connect to a driver without another hitch. Not flashy, maybe, but perfectly simple.
In typical Jiffy fashion, the cab pulled up almost before my colleague Abby Cole and I had time to get out the front door, taking us a mere three minutes and 51 seconds from ordering the ride to piling inside.
Abby struggled to buckle in, grappling with a sticky seat belt button, as I launched into a torrent of questions.
"Are you mad Uber's here?" I asked the driver, leaning forward on the well-worn, water-stained seat — clean enough, but battered in a classically Jiffy Cabs way.
No, my driver replied. After a few more questions, the shy man warmed up somewhat. He hadn't been driving a cab for very long, and would consider driving for Uber if the money was better. He said he worried a bit about the international ride-hailing company stealing away customers.
True to its reputation, the car arrived at our destination quickly and safely, careening only slightly around a couple of corners.
The final cost, not including tip, was $17 — more than 40 per cent higher than Uber's quote, and over $3 more than Jiffy's app estimated.
Comfort: ★★★★✰
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