The Age of Disruption
In todays digital age things change fast, sometimes so fast entire industries are turned upside down practically overnight. Innovation is a wonderful thing but often times with innovation comes turmoil and chaos, advancement renders the current systems obsolete and while many are satisfied, some end up out of the job.
This is the nature of evolution and progress, however in our present time in history things change faster then ever before. Sometimes innovations and new technologies are rendered obsolete before they even hit the market. Other times institutions and organizations that have existed for decades are boarding up their locations worldwide due to being behind on the newest technologies, Kodak is a prefect example of exactly this. There are other problems with rapid advancement such as the market not being properly prepared or ready for the technology, or there being exploitable loopholes that were not discovered by the manufacturer prior to the release of their product.
The black car service Uber is an example of something that has grown too big too fast. Recently evaluated at 19 billion dollars, and being a favorite for investors and venture capitalists Uber’s appeal is obvious, rapid, easily attainable and cheap transportation anywhere. It is turning the Taxi industry upside down putting millions out of the job, but at the same time providing employment for millions more. This is the essence of innovation, something newer, cheaper and ultimately better comes along and puts the competition out of business, capitalism at it’s finest. But a look behind the scenes reveals something horrific. The most frightening aspect of the whole situation is that no one seems to be aware of how dangerous Uber really is, I don’t mean dangerous for TLC and the cab companies around the world, I mean dangerous for their unsuspecting customers.
Uber is not properly regulated, the drivers and their vehicles are not properly insured, inspected or maintained, nor is there anyone who can be held accountable should accidents and worse occur, and worse has occurred. At least three Uber drivers have been accused of sexual assault, two of kidnapping and there has been worse. Several of these drivers have been in very bad accidents while transporting customers, in a few of these unfortunate cases the passengers were maimed or permanently injured, yet law suits are pending and all the potentially guilty parties are pointing their fingers at one another.
You could chalk things like this up to growing pains or say that maybe their still working the bugs out, or if you were cold hearted enough maybe even say well that’s the cost of doing business. You could also say that all the laws, rules and regulations regarding the trafficking and transportation of people are there for very good reason and an innovative technology that in some ways circumnavigates these laws may not be as great as they initially seem. Perhaps only time will tell and these are decisions that we all need to make as individuals, I only ask that when something appears too good to be true that perhaps it is worth investigating a little further.
All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!
by Jarrad Kulick