[odiroot]

> It is no surprise that the Taxi companies are mad, because they are unable to compete under the current set of rules.

They're mad because it ruins their monopoly. Taxis are ridiculously expensive in Germany, also known to use tricks to charge you extra. I would never consider ordering a taxi here.

[zaarn]

Not my experience. I live south of Munich and Taxis are very cheap for the service and I've never had a problem with one overcharging.

[distances]

My experience from Berlin is quite different. Taxis were reasonably priced and service was good, didn't see any foul play. I was using the "MyTaxi" app to book rides.

[davezatch]

In comparison with any other major city where Uber operates, taxis are quite expensive here.

[tilolebo]

You should go to Paris, then.

Order a taxi during "peak hours": 5 EUR. Then they charge you with an "approaching fee". Basically, they make you pay for the distance they traveled on their way to pick you up.

So last time I took one, I jumped in and was already charged for 21 EUR before the ride even began. The ride itself just cost 10 EUR...

[davezatch]

Yeah I probably should have clarified a bit :)

In North and South America, and in other European cities (though certainly not all!), my experience has been that Uber is 99% of the time

1. better UX, and 2. cheaper

than taxis, _generally_. In Berlin, taxi service is generally professional/clean/fine, but it's quite expensive, and when I travel to other places I get quickly spoiled by the Uber experience/cost. I understand why they ban it here, but from an end-user perspective, really wish they didn't.

[distances]

I'm more familiar with the Nordics, so it may be my view is somewhat tainted by the expensive end of the spectrum.