Student’s name: Leo Figlinski

Course Name: OGL 365

Instructor: Dr. Patience Akpan-Obong
Title of Article: “Using ‘Big Data’ to understand the impacts of Uber on taxis in New York City.”
Author(s): Willis, George & Tranos, Emmanouil

Introduction
In the reading, using ‘Big Data’ to understand the impacts of Uber on Taxis in New York
City, they focus on how Uber is affecting the Taxi services in New York City as well as the fact
they were a small startup company that then turned into a global powerhouse that threatens the
existence that is Taxi Service. Even in times of lawsuits and mass-demonstrations, Uber
continues to grow all around the world while Taxi services face harsh criticism and expectations.
There are many things that Uber is also getting away with, like the inability to follow normal
service protocol such as needing certifications to operate like a Taxi service does.
Analysis
One of the main issues that stuck out to me was the fact that Uber seemed to be scrapping
by the law with its ability to operate without proper certifications and medallions in the Big
Apple. When you have Taxi services that must pay up and keep their certifications up to date to
even operate on the roads. For me, this was something I never considered. With the time that I
have traveled I have found the convenience of ordering Uber much easier then calling or trusting
a Taxi. Even with the mass around of demonstrations going on and lawsuits, I still choose Uber
as one of my options for transportation when I visit any large city. I do feel as though there
should be some general law that Uber should follow that is like a Taxi service.
Other issues that stuck out to me was the fact that Taxi services are dealing with much
more criticism and demand to be able to stay afloat in the market. This demand comes with
pricing competitiveness and services available for customers. Uber is looked at as a new updated
Taxi services that speaks to the more innovated tech savvy people. This is true to the case for me
as well. Since many things happen in my life, it easier for me to go onto an app and request an
Uber over calling a number and catching one as it comes through the area. Plus, with Uber you
can see the fare rate given for your trip before you even call the Uber to drive you. I never
considered this as an option for Taxi services.

Reflection

As a leader for a few of my jobs, I have learned many things but what I never took into
considerations was the fact that something as simple as making thing easier could be so
appealing to so many. This is the case for making robots that perform human work. This in the
end is something that takes away abled people from work and replacing it with a machine that
will outwork a human. The fact that Uber has been getting away with a lot really shows where
the gaps are in the system and that can apply anywhere, even my current employer. What I will
take from this reading as well is the importance to stay on the trend with innovations when I go
to start my business. I don’t want the chance of my business to be swept away from under my
feet due to these emerging companies. This is the case with companies such as Uber to the Taxi
services and Airbnb to the hotel industry.

Something that is also appealing to me is the fact that Uber was able, even with its
criticisms and expectations, continue to grow. A company once small then growing to a global
transportation service can seem intimidating but what it truly shows me is how possible it can be
if you put your mind to it. If you have the solid foundation and the ability to do it, then anything
can happen. As I lead in my current position, I want to be able to push passed the criticisms and
expectation and prove how important I can be to the company and in what ways I can be a part of
the future technology developed.

Conclusion

As innovation continues to grow it truly comes to show the mechanics of modern

business now works. This is also the case in the reading, using ‘Big Data’ to understand the
impacts of Uber on Taxis in New York City. As discussed, Uber has been affecting the way Taxi
services have been able to operate in the Big Apple. People tend to lean more towards the easier
more convenient route while criticizing and giving large expectations to the Taxi Services. Even
as Uber continues to show the loops, they can work through, it does show the gaps that keep not
to innovated companies from being able to grow. For a company that once was a small Silicon
Valley startup then turn global powerhouse, it comes to show how possible your dreams can
come true as a business owner. If you can play your cards right.

References

Willis, George & Tranos, Emmanouil (2020). “Using ‘Big Data’ to understand the impacts of Uber
on taxis in New York City.” (Links to an external site.) Travel Behaviour and Society 22 (2021)
94–107. Also here: Uber and Big Data.