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EU: Commission VP Kroes looks to ease chaos of taxi, Uber war

By  |  June 11, 2014
EU: Commission VP Kroes looks to ease chaos of taxi, Uber war

As taxi drivers across London brought the streets to a standstill Wednesday in boycott of Uber, European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes entered the debate to assure that while cab drivers’ concerns are legitimate, it is in Europe’s best interest to welcome innovation.

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    The protest against taxi-booking and ride-sharing app Uber was staged to voice opposition to the new technology, which opponents say unfairly overrides competition of traditional taxi drives, who often have to pay high fees for taxi licenses. Taxi driver unions argue Uber allows unlicensed drivers.

    It’s a sentiment felt by taxi drivers across the EU and across the globe.

    But Kroes told the protesters Wednesday that new innovation is inevitable and ultimately in the best interest of consumers for the EU.

    ”The job of the law is not to lie to you and tell you that everything will always be comfortable,” she said. “If we don’t think together about how to benefit from these changes and these new technologies, we will all suffer.”

    According to reports, the official suggested traditional taxi drivers explore how to utilize mobile apps themselves to better compete with Uber.

    Kroes did admit, however, that Uber’s regulations may need “adjustments.”

    Full content: The Next Web

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