There’s a debate going on in many cities about which is the better transportation option; ride-sharing services like Uber, or traditional limousine and taxi services. For some people, the answer is obvious because they find Uber and Uber-like services easy, convenient and inexpensive. But the data shows a different picture, especially when it comes to safety concerns. No doubt, Uber and other cab services are affordable, but that doesn’t mean they are safer.
According to ‘Who’s Driving You?’, a public awareness initiative from the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA), the number of incidents against Uber and Lyft drivers include 25 deaths, 60 alleged assaults, 226 alleged sexual assaults, 10 alleged kidnappings, 17 felons found behind the wheels and 52 cases of imposters.
There are many grounds on which cab and ridesharing services lag behind traditional airport limousines, leaving the door open to serious altercations. Let’s find out how.
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More Responsible Drivers
Limousine chauffeurs are held accountable for the service they provide passengers. Failing to meet the regulatory guidelines or standards applicable to their job means their driver’s license and job are at stake. Uber drivers, on the other hand, face less stringent consequences, although continually poor ratings can lead to them being suspended from the platform.
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Drivers’ Background Checking
According to The Walrus, drivers working for UberX are not required to be present for a formal interview. The registration process is instead online and orientation is limited to a 16-minute video. Limousine companies, on the other hand, conduct formal job interviews and full employee background checks to confirm their drivers’ eligibility. This is not necessarily the case with some rideshare services.
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Highly Trained Chauffeurs
When using a rideshare service, passengers are at the mercy of the driver who may be unfamiliar with your destination, inexperienced or unreliable in time-sensitive situations. By contrast, limousine chauffeurs are highly trained professionals who are fully equipped to ensure their passengers a safe, efficient and timely ride.
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Tinted Windows for Privacy
Limousines often feature tinted windows to respect their client’s privacy. That’s why they’re popular for bachelorette parties and confidential business meetings. Tinted windows are generally absent in rideshare services.
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Better Maintenance
As a premium mode of transport, limousine services make it mandatory to thoroughly disinfect cars between rides to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Low-paid rideshare drivers don’t necessarily have the time, inclination or motivation to do so, especially when they’re constantly picking up and dropping off passengers.
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Fewer Passengers
Like buses, taxis and rideshare cars constantly have passengers hopping in and out. With so many passengers using the same car, there’s a higher risk of coronavirus transmission. Irregular cleaning and disinfection increases the risk of cross-contamination. Limousines, while popular, tend to accommodate fewer passengers given that the average trip is longer. This means they’re less likely to pick up a COVID-infected passenger.
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Healthier drivers
Limousine companies create their chauffeurs’ schedule, so when they suspect a driver is sick, they aren’t allowed to drive until they recover. The same level of scrutiny cannot be expected from rideshare companies.
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Additional Safety Features
Limousines are made with special safety features such as fitted seat belts, a partition between the chauffeur and passenger, and pre-collision brakes. Additionally, there are blind spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist technology. These features, along with your chauffeur’s experience, keep you safe. You won’t find these safety features in regular taxis or rideshare vehicles.