Taxi cabs and the new rideshare startups

Guests: Emily Badger, Dennis Weldon, Ronald Blount

Have you ever used Uber, car service app, to get around town?  Uber is just one of a handful of new ride-share companies that have been moving into large cities and offering an alternative to traditional taxi cabs.  Last year, Philadelphia Parking Authority, which regulates taxis and limousines, kicked out SideCar because of its use of unlicensed drivers and cars violated city regulations.  Today, we look at these new ride-share companies — are they good for cities and consumers?  And what effect will they have on traditional taxicabs. Marty talks with EMILY BADGER, a staff writer for the Washington Post who covers urban policy and we’ll hear from TAYLOR BENNETT, spokesperson for Uber, WELDON, General Counsel for the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and RONALD BLOUNT, President of the Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania.

Photo: AP/Matt Rourke