The Off Topic Topic

[DGuller]

Except that same taxi monopoly is created by the state...which now often dismisses it by allowing companies like Uber, but not actually deregulating their monopoly-creating practice (that being, taxi licenses).

Easier said than done, which is one of the more corrosive effects of excessive regulation.  Go try telling NYC cab medallion owners who used to shell out a million bucks for one that their investment is now rendered completely worthless.

Oh, I agree...any government license/permit that ends up having pricing subject to market forces is a sure-fire route to corruption.  But then you cited NYC, so nothing new to report there. 

The market forces always leech through, even without an official market.  The old lady that lived in a rent-controlled apartment for 30 years kicked the bucket, and now the apartment is up for lease at 25% of market rent?  The super is going to be selling the medallion to that apartment  .

[Tonitrus]

That just means you need aggressive enforcement/prosecution of those that attempt to profit off of violating the law. 

[DGuller]

That just means you need aggressive enforcement/prosecution of those that attempt to profit off of violating the law. 

No, that means that the super should take care of enforcers and not be a greedy bastard.

[Monoriu]

HK has the same taxi licence problem.  Investors have put in tons of money and the licences are worth untold billions.  They are not going to let their investment go bust.  The taxi drivers number in the tens of thousands.  They are organised, are mostly males in decent physical shape, and don't really have anywhere else to go to make a living.  They have been a source of civil unrest in the past.  All these factors mean the HK government has taken a hard line against Uber.

But it is only a matter of time.  People will continue to use Uber, despite the occasion enforcement action against the drivers.  The value of the licences will drop over time, and people will be reluctant to join the taxi industry.  When the licence value drops far enough, the window for government to buy them back may finally open. 

[Grey Fox]

Should not let Uber be part of our future of transportation.

[DGuller]

Should not let Uber be part of our future of transportation.

Yes, to hell with efficiency, there is entrenched rent-seeking to protect.

[Tamas]

Should not let Uber be part of our future of transportation.

Yes, to hell with efficiency, there is entrenched rent-seeking to protect.

Hells yeah!

[Josquius]

Monopolies are good for nobody.
Uber needs to be forced into a niche where standard taxis and competitors can also survive.

[grumbler]

Monopolies are good for nobody.
Uber needs to be forced into a niche where standard taxis and competitors can also survive.

... and every buggy whip made is guaranteed to be sold.

[Maximus]

If only Uber's self-driving cars were coal-powered. Then we could embrace the future.

[Zanza]

Taxi licenses in Germany cost only like 50 Euro and are not limited in number, but there is considerable regulation that taxi companies need to fulfill here, e.g. have a meter that was checked by the state etc.

[garbon]

Should not let Uber be part of our future of transportation.

Agreed. They act like a caricature of what the far left wing often claims about evil corporations.

[Josquius]

Monopolies are good for nobody.
Uber needs to be forced into a niche where standard taxis and competitors can also survive.

... and every buggy whip made is guaranteed to be sold.

????

[celedhring]

Taxi licenses in Germany cost only like 50 Euro and are not limited in number, but there is considerable regulation that taxi companies need to fulfill here, e.g. have a meter that was checked by the state etc.

That's how it should be, imho. In Spain it's a closed shop with limited number of licenses that are then sold for ludicrous amounts among particulars.

[Tamas]

Its 21:45 and the upstairs neighbour is vacuuming, relentlessly hitting various pieces of furniture doing so.