Distractive Dispatch Technology is Dangerous

Public Service Anouncement pointing out the dangers associated with computerized taxi (including Uber) dispatch systems.

The destruction of small, independent businesses wrought by government/Uber collusion was a huge crime. It could almost be seen as a dress rehearsal for the much larger crime of diverting dollars from small businesses to giant corporations during the COVID panic lockdowns.

However, it should not be forgotten, that what Uber does to its drivers, for example, it's preposterous wage claims using dollars per engaged hour, was entirely predictable. Many legacy brokers would have done the same if they would have thought of it.

I used to pay an off-duty driver five cents to move my cab up one spot, while I was in the washroom at the bus terminal taxi stand, if the first cab got a trip. When he complained, I told him he was actually making $18 per engaged hour.

But what I really wanted to note was the decision to abandon voice dispatch to the use of distractive Mobile Data Terminals. The danger inherent in these devices was obvious, even to a child.

Nevertheless, in Hamilton at least, the “disruptive technology” of computerized dispatch was adopted. Clueless politicians mandated it in Hamilton. Changing driver demographics (language barriers) made voice dispatch increasingly dysfunctional.

Finally, brokers saw the cost-saving opportunities for themselves. There was no need to rent parking spaces for cab stations, and no need to pay skilled dispatchers for a job that could be performed by a minimum wage call taker.

At around the same time, the use of distractive devices was banned in Ontario for "safety reasons." Except for Mobile Data Terminals.

And get this, while some taxi companies were still using voice dispatch, MADD Canada was promoting dangerous Uber cabs!