#app-based taxi service

[mostlysignssomeportents]

“That Makes Me Smart”

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/12/04/its-not-a-lie/#its-a-premature-truth

The Biden administration disappointed, frustrated and enraged in so many ways, including abetting a genocide – but one consistent bright spot over the past four years was the unseen-for-generations frontal assault on corporate power and corporate corruption.

The three words that define this battle above all others are "unfair and deceptive" – words that appear in Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act and other legislation modeled on it, like USC40 Section 41712(a), which gives the Department of Transportation the power to ban "unfair and deceptive" practices as well:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/10/the-courage-to-govern/#whos-in-charge

When Congress created an agency to punish "unfair and deceptive" conduct, they were saying to the American people, "You have a right not to be cheated." While this may sound obvious, it's hardly how the world works.

To get a sense of how many ripoffs are part of our daily lives, let's take a little tour of the ways that the FTC and other agencies have used the "unfair and deceptive" standard to defend you over the past four years. Take Amazon Prime: Amazon executives emailed one another, openly admitting that in their user tests, the public was consistently fooled by Amazon's "get free shipping with Prime" dialog boxes, thinking they were signing up for free shipping and not understanding that they were actually signing up to send the company $140/year. They had tested other versions of the signup workflow that users were able to correctly interpret, but they decided to go with the confusing version because it made them more money:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/05/amazon-execs-may-be-personally-liable-for-tricking-users-into-prime-sign-ups/

Getting you signed up for Prime isn't just a matter of taking $140 out of your pocket once – because while Amazon has produced a greased slide that whisks you into a recurring Prime subscription, the process for canceling that recurring payment is more like a greased pole you must climb to escape the Prime pit. This is typical of many services, where signing up happens in a couple clicks, but canceling is a Kafkaesque nightmare. The FTC decided that this was an "unfair and deceptive" business practice and used its authority to create a "Click to Cancel" rule that says businesses have to make it as easy to cancel a recurring payment as it was to sign up for it:

https://www.theregister.com/2023/07/12/ftc_cancel_subscriptions/

Once businesses have you locked in, they also spy on you, ingesting masses of commercial surveillance data that you "consented" to by buying a car, or clicking to a website, or installing an app, or just physically existing in space. They use this to implement "surveillance pricing," raising prices based on their estimation of your desperation. Uber got caught doing this a decade ago, raising the price of taxi rides for users whose batteries were about to die, but these days, everyone's in on the game. For example, McDonald's has invested in a company that spies on your finances to determine when your payday is, and then raises the price of your usual breakfast sandwich by a dollar the day you get paid:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/05/your-price-named/#privacy-first-again

Everything about this is "unfair and deceptive" – from switching prices the second you click into the store to the sham of consent that consists of, say, picking up your tickets to a show and being ordered to download an app that comes with 20,000 words of terms and conditions that allows the company that sends you a QR code to spy on you for the rest of your life in any way they can and sell the data to anyone who'll buy it.

As bad as it is to be trapped in an abusive relationship as a shopper, it's a million times worse to be trapped as a worker. One in 18 American workers is under a noncompete "agreement" that makes it illegal for you to change jobs and work for someone else in the same industry. The vast majority of these workers are in low-waged food-service jobs. The primary use of the American noncompete is to stop the cashier at Wendy's from getting an extra $0.25/hour by taking a job at McDonald's.

Noncompetes are shrouded in a fog of easily dispelled bossly bullshit: claims that noncompetes raise wages (empirically, this is untrue), or that they enable "IP"-intensive industries to grow by protecting their trade secrets. This claim is such bullshit: you can tell by the fact that noncompetes are banned under California's state constitution and yet the most IP-intensive industries have attracted hundreds of billions – if not trillions – in investment capital even though none of their workforce can be bound under a noncompete. The FTC's order banning noncompetes for every worker in America simply brings the labor regime that created Silicon Valley and Hollywood to the rest of the country:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/26/hit-with-a-brick/#graceful-failure

Noncompetes aren't the only "unfair and deceptive" practice used against American workers. The past decade has seen the rise of private equity consolidation in several low-waged industries, like pet grooming. The new owners of every pet grooming salon within 20 miles of your house haven't just slashed workers' wages, they've also cooked up a scheme that lets them charge workers thousands of dollars if they quit these shitty jobs. This scheme is called a "training repayment agreement provision" (TRAP!): workers who are TRAPped at Petsmart are made to work doing menial jobs like sweeping up the floor for three to four weeks. Petsmart calls this "training," and values it at $5,500. If you quit your pet grooming job in the next two years, you legally owe PetSmart $5,500 to "repay" them for the training:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/08/04/its-a-trap/#a-little-on-the-nose

Workers are also subjected to "unfair and deceptive" bossware: "AI" tools sold to bosses that claim they can sort good workers from bad, but actually serve as random-number generators that penalize workers in arbitrary, life-destroying ways:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/11/26/hawtch-hawtch/#you-treasure-what-you-measure

Some of the most "unfair and deceptive" conduct we endure happens in shadowy corners of industry, where obscure middlemen help consolidated industries raise prices and pick your pocket. All the meat you buy in the grocery store comes from a cartel of processing and packing companies that all subscribe to the same "price consulting" services that tells them how to coordinate across-the-board price rises (tell me again how greedflation isn't a thing?):

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/04/dont-let-your-meat-loaf/#meaty-beaty-big-and-bouncy

It's not just food, it's all of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Take shelter: the highly consolidated landlord industry uses apps like Realpage to coordinate rental price hikes, turning the housing crisis into a housing emergency:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/07/24/gouging-the-all-seeing-eye/#i-spy

And of course, health is the most "unfair and deceptive" industry of all. Useless middlemen like "Pharmacy Benefit Managers" ("a spreadsheet with political power" -Matt Stoller) coordinate massive price-hikes in the drugs you need to stay alive, which is why Americans pay substantially more for medicine than anyone else in the world, even as the US government spends more than any other to fund pharma research, using public money:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/09/23/shield-of-boringness/#some-men-rob-you-with-a-fountain-pen

It's not just drugs: every piece of equipment – think hospital beds and nuclear medicine machines – as well as all the consumables – from bandages to saline – at your local hospital runs through a cartel of "Group Purchasing Organizations" that do for hospital equipment what PBMs do for medicine:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/09/27/lethal-dysfunction/#luxury-bones

For the past four years, we've lived in an America where a substantial portion of the administrative state went to war every day to stamp out unfair and deceptive practices. It's still happening: yesterday, the CFPB (which Musk has vowed to shut down) proposed a new rule that would ban the entire data brokerage industry, who nonconsensually harvest information about every American, and package it up into categories like "teenagers from red states seeking abortions" and "military service personnel with gambling habits" and "seniors with dementia" and sell this to marketers, stalkers, foreign governments and anyone else with a credit-card:

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-proposes-rule-to-stop-data-brokers-from-selling-sensitive-personal-data-to-scammers-stalkers-and-spies/

And on the same day, the FTC banned the location brokers who spy on your every movement and sell your past and present location, again, to marketers, stalkers, foreign governments and anyone with a credit card:

https://www.404media.co/ftc-bans-location-data-company-that-powers-the-surveillance-ecosystem/

These are tantalizing previews of a better life for every American, one in which the rule is, "play fair." That's not the world that Trump and his allies want to build. Their motto isn't "cheaters never prosper" – it's "caveat emptor," let the buyer beware.

Remember the 2016 debate where Clinton accused Trump of cheating on his taxes and he admitted to it, saying "That makes me smart?" Trumpism is the movement of "that makes me smart" life, where if you get scammed, that's your own damned fault. Sorry, loser, you lost.

Nowhere do you see this more than in cryptocurrencyland, so it's not a coincidence that tens – perhaps hundreds – in dark crypto money was flushed into the election, first to overpower Democratic primaries and kick out Dem legislators who'd used their power to fight the "unfair and deceptive" crowd:

https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook-pm/2024/02/13/crypto-comes-for-katie-porter-00141261

And then to fight Dems across the board (even the Dems whose primary victories were funded by dark crypto money) and elect the GOP as the party of "caveat emptor"/"that makes me smart":

https://www.coindesk.com/news-analysis/2024/12/02/crypto-cash-fueled-53-members-of-the-next-u-s-congress

Crypto epitomizes the caveat emptor economy. By design, fraudulent crypto transactions can't be reversed. If you get suckered, that's canonically a you problem. And boy oh boy, do crypto users get suckered (including and especially those who buy Trump's shitcoins):

https://www.web3isgoinggreat.com/

And for crypto users who get ripped off because they've parked their "money" in an online wallet, there's no sympathy, just "not your keys, not your coins":

https://www.ledger.com/academy/not-your-keys-not-your-coins-why-it-matters

A cornerstone of the "unfair and deceptive" world is that only suckers – that is, outsiders, marks and little people – have to endure consequences when they get rooked. When insiders get ripped off, all principle is jettisoned. So it's not surprising that when crypto insiders got taken for millions the first time they created a DAO, they tore up all the rules of the crypto world and gave themselves the mulligan that none of the rest of us are entitled to in cryptoland:

https://blog.ethereum.org/2016/07/20/hard-fork-completed

Where you find crypto, you find Elon Musk, the guy who epitomizes caveat emptor thinking. This is a guy who has lied to drivers to get them to buy Teslas by promising "full self driving in one year," every year, since 2015:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/autonomous-driving/timeline-of-tesla-self-driving-aspirations-a9686689375/

Musk told investors that he had a "prototype" autonomous robot that could replace their workers, then demoed a guy in a robot suit, pretending to be a robot:

https://gizmodo.com/elon-musk-unveils-his-funniest-vaporware-yet-1847523016

Then Musk did it again, two years later, demoing a remote-control robot while lying and claiming that it was autonomous:

https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/14/tesla-optimus-bots-were-controlled-by-humans-during-the-we-robot-event

This is entirely typical of the AI sector, in which "AIs" are revealed, over and over, to be low-waged workers pretending to be robots, so much so that Indian tech industry insiders joke that "AI" stands for "Absent Indians":

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/29/pay-no-attention/#to-the-little-man-behind-the-curtain

Musk's view is that he's not a liar, merely a teller of premature truths. Autonomous cars and robots are just around the corner (just like the chatbots that can do your job, and not merely convince your boss to fire you while failing to do your job). He's not tricking you, he's just faking it until he makes it. It's not a scam, it's inspirational. Of course, if he's wrong and you are scammed, well, that's a you problem. Caveat emptor. That makes him smart.

Musk does this all the time. Take the Twitter blue tick, originally conceived of as a way to keep Twitter users from being scammed ("unfair and deceptive") by con artists pretending to be famous people. Musk's inaugural act at Twitter was to take away blue ticks from verified users and sell them to anyone who'd pay $8/month. Almost no one coughed up for this – the main exception being scammers, who used their purchased, unverified blue ticks to steal from Twitter users ("that makes me smart").

As Twitter hemorrhaged advertising revenue and Musk became increasingly desperate to materialize an army of $8/month paid subscribers, he pulled another scam: he nonconsensually applied blue ticks to prominent accounts, in a bid to trick normies into thinking that widely read people valued blue ticks so much they were paying for them out of their own pockets:

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65365366

If you were tricked into buying a blue tick on this pretense, well, caveat emptor. Besides, it's not a lie, it's a premature truth. Someday all those widely read users with nonconsensual blue ticks will surely value them so highly that they do start to pay for them. And if they don't? Well, Musk got your $8: "that makes me smart."

Scammers will always tell you that they're not lying to you, merely telling premature truths. Sam Bankman-Fried's defenders will tell you that he didn't actually steal all those billions. He gambled them on a bet that (sorta-kinda) paid off. Eventually, he was able to make all his victims (sorta-kinda) whole, so it's not even a theft:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/08/business/ftx-bankruptcy-plan-repay-creditors/index.html

Likewise, Tether, a "stablecoin" that was unable to pass an audit for many years as it issued unbacked, unregulated securities while lying and saying that for every dollar they minted, they had a dollar in reserves. Tether now (maybe) has reserves to equal its outstanding coins, so obviously all those years where they made false claims, they weren't lying, merely telling a premature truth:

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/cryptocriticscorner/episodes/Tether-wins–Skeptics-lose-the-end-of-an-era-e2rhf5e

If Tether had failed a margin call during those years and you'd lost everything, well, caveat emptor. The Tether insiders were always insulated from that risk, and that's all that matters: "that makes me smart."

When I think about the next four years, this is how I frame it: the victory of "that makes me smart" over "fairness and truth."

For years, progressives have pointed out the right's hypocrisy, despite that fact that Americans have been conditioned to be so cynical that even the rankest hypocrisy doesn't register. But "caveat emptor?" That isn't just someone else's bad belief or low ethics: it's the way that your life is materially, significantly worsened. The Biden administration – divided between corporate Dems and the Warren/Sanders wing that went to war on "unfair and deceptive" – was ashamed and nearly silent on its groundbreaking work fighting for fairness and honesty. That was a titanic mistake.

Americans may not care about hypocrisy, but they really care about being stolen from. No one wants to be a sucker.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Years after the Quebec government deregulated the taxi industry to allow services like Uber to operate, taxi drivers in Quebec have scored a court victory to the tune of $143 million, plus interest.

On Friday, a Quebec Superior Court judge awarded the sum as part of a ruling in a class-action lawsuit.

In 2019, Bill 17 was passed into law. The law abolished the taxi permit system while integrating app-based ride-hailing services into provincial regulations.

Around the time the law was passed, services like Uber were expanding their operations in the province, prompting anger and protests from taxi drivers who had spent tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, to purchase their taxi permits.

After the bill became law, the Quebec government doled out more than $800 million in compensation to taxi drivers in the province, but drivers didn't believe that amount was enough to make up for their losses.

Continue Reading

Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[rideboomindia]

some key advantages and features of the RideBoom platform that position it well to succeed:

Unique features: RideBoom offers several unique features that differentiate it from other ride-sharing apps, such as the ability for riders to select drivers based on gender preference, and an incentive scheme that allows drivers to earn income even when they are not actively driving. Transparent and fair pricing: RideBoom emphasizes that it offers uniform, transparent pricing without surge charges, providing fairness and value to both riders and drivers. Comprehensive services: RideBoom goes beyond just ride-sharing, also offering taxi services, bike/scooter options, and parcel delivery - providing a more comprehensive mobility and logistics platform. Global reach and scalability: The RideBoom app is available worldwide, and the platform seems designed to scale globally by supporting international travel and allowing drivers to earn income globally. Driver-centric approach: RideBoom appears to focus on providing benefits and incentives to its driver partners, such as the ability to earn income without driving, and a secure platform for female drivers. This could help attract and retain high-quality drivers.

[tailschannel]

Sonic to get "several new mobile titles" in the future, according to SEGA management meeting document

The Sonic the Hedgehog series is expected to receive "several new titles" for mobile platforms, SEGA's parent company confirmed in a management meeting early Wednesday.

Apple and Google were both named as "key players" in the mobile sector for SEGA, as the publisher detailed an encompassing transmedia scheme for the blue blur, which will include licencing and collaborations with other third-party properties.

"Several new" mobile games under development

With an established presence thanks to the likes of free apps like Sonic Dash and Sonic Forces Speed Battle, the franchise looks set to dive in the world of mobile gaming, as part of SEGA's future plans.

The publisher did not rule out exclusivity clauses with subscription-based mobile gaming services. In recent days, the publisher signed a contract with Apple to produce Sonic Dream Team, and Netflix announced a mobile port of Sonic Mania Plus for their game subscription service.

No word of a specific timeframe for the aforementioned mobile games, currently in development.

Future Sonic mobile games to adopt Rovio's Beacon toolkit

As part of the mobile expansion, the upcoming slate is expected to adopt "Beacon", an internal development and marketing toolkit powered by machine learning, frequently utilized by Rovio, the Finnish studio behind Angry Birds that SEGA acquired over the summer.

The studio described Beacon as a platform to "build games and get games to market, models to profitably grow and monetize the game and live operations tools to maximize our players’ fun."

The toolkit has been criticized in a number of fan-run Angry Birds forums for incentivizing revenue at the expense of gameplay quality.

SEGA did not disclose if the Beacon platform will extend beyond the present suite of HARDlight mobile games.

More details on SEGA's resurrection of classic hits

SEGA also unveiled these new images and descriptions for the five new games announced at The Game Awards, described as a "power surge" to re-electrify their classic hits, like Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio.

Crazy Taxi: Innovative & Fresh Style Driving Action! Cheerful feeling of freedom and fusion of nature and city. Peel out the new stage of Crazy City!

Jet Set Radio: "Counter-Culture" - Tokyo Street Open World! Experience the "rebellion" movement that feels free in a suffocating society. Make friends, increase your fans, and create a movement!

Shinobi: Slay the enemies in the silence of the moment. Run through the world of Shinobi, full of monsters and ninja actions. Grab Oberozuki, the legendary sword and slay evil once more. Your clan and the world are counting on you.

Golden Axe: Warriors arise to subdue the demons! Defeat your enemies with a variety of attacks with swords and magic! The legendary story about the battle axe, Golden Axe is about to begin!

Streets of Rage Revolution: Beloved side-scrolling beat 'em up action series! Take control of one of the ex-officers and make the city a place where people no longer have to walk the "Streets of Rage."

The announcement coincided with SEGA's plans to strengthen their flagship video game brands like Persona and Like a Dragon, and to expand with legacy properties.

(Edit 2:00 pm ET - post updated with new details)

[expresslimoinc]

The Best Newark Transit (Updated 2024)

Navigating a bustling city like Newark requires a reliable and efficient transit system, and Newark’s options do not disappoint. As one of New Jersey’s most significant urban centers, Newark offers a robust mix of public and private transportation options catering to both residents and visitors. With 2024 bringing exciting updates, the city’s transit system is more connected and sustainable than ever. Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring landmarks, or catching a flight, Newark’s transit network ensures seamless mobility.

Overview of Newark Transit Options

Newark boasts a variety of transit modes, from public buses and trains to modern micro-mobility solutions. Here’s an overview:

Public Transit Services

Public transportation forms the backbone of Newark’s transit network. NJ Transit buses and commuter trains connect neighborhoods, while the Newark Light Rail links crucial parts of the city with nearby hubs. These services prioritize affordability and accessibility, ensuring mobility for all.

Private Transportation Alternatives

Prefer something more private? Ride-sharing giants like Uber and Lyft operate extensively in Newark, alongside traditional taxis. Emerging micro-mobility options, including e-scooters and bike-sharing programs, offer eco-friendly alternatives for short trips.

Regional Connections

Newark serves as a gateway to the Tri-State Area. From Newark Penn Station, you can access NJ Transit trains, Amtrak, and PATH services, seamlessly connecting to New York City, Jersey City, and beyond.

Newark Light Rail

Overview and Routes

The Newark Light Rail is a hidden gem for commuters. Spanning two main lines—the Newark City Subway and the Broad Street Extension—it links downtown Newark with areas like Bloomfield and Belleville. The system integrates well with NJ Transit buses and trains, making multi-modal trips straightforward.

Benefits of the Light Rail

Why choose the Light Rail? For one, it’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It also saves time by bypassing traffic congestion, making it a favorite for daily commuters.

Bus Services in Newark

NJ Transit Buses

NJ Transit operates an extensive bus network in Newark Airport. Popular routes like the 25 and 62 cater to key areas, including Newark Penn Station and the airport. These buses are equipped with accessibility features, ensuring everyone can travel comfortably.

Private Bus Options

Private shuttles and charter buses offer additional flexibility, especially for group travel or special events. Companies like Megabus and Greyhound also connect Newark to other major cities.

Train Services in Newark

NJ Transit Commuter Trains

For those commuting to nearby cities, NJ Transit commuter trains are the go-to option. They provide frequent service to New York City, Hoboken, and Jersey City. With competitive ticket prices, these trains are both practical and economical.

Amtrak Services

Amtrak connects Newark with long-distance destinations, from Boston to Washington, D.C. Newark Penn Station serves as a major hub, offering amenities like Wi-Fi, dining options, and comfortable waiting areas.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Transit Options

AirTrain Newark

The AirTrain is a lifeline for airport travelers. This automated monorail connects Newark Liberty International Airport terminals with NJ Transit and Amtrak services, ensuring stress-free transfers.

Public Transit to the Airport

Buses and trains also provide direct access to the airport at a fraction of the cost of private rides. The NJ Transit 62 bus, for example, links downtown Newark to EWR in under 30 minutes.

Ride-Sharing and Taxis in Newark

Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft dominate Newark’s ride-sharing landscape, offering convenient, app-based solutions for getting around the city. These car services to newark airport not uber or lyft are perfect for travelers seeking flexibility, with options ranging from economy to luxury rides. Prices vary based on demand and distance, but ride-sharing is often more cost-effective than traditional taxis. Pro tip: Use promotional codes or apps like Hopper to snag discounts, especially during peak times.

Traditional Taxis

Traditional yellow and black taxis remain a dependable option in Newark. You’ll find taxi stands at Newark Penn Station, Newark Liberty International Airport, and popular hotels. While they can be pricier than ride-sharing options, taxis offer fixed rates for certain routes, eliminating surprises. Just ensure you confirm the fare before starting your journey.

Micro-Mobility Options in Newark

Bike-Sharing Programs

CitiBike, one of the leading bike-sharing programs, has expanded its presence in Newark. These bikes are stationed across the city, making it easy to grab one for short trips. Riding a bike is not just eco-friendly—it’s also a fantastic way to soak in the sights of Newark’s bustling streets and scenic parks. With affordable hourly rates and passes, bike-sharing is ideal for commuters and casual riders alike.

Electric Scooters

E-scooters are the latest buzz in urban transportation. Companies like Lime and Bird provide these easy-to-use scooters in key parts of Newark. You’ll need to download the app, locate a nearby scooter, and zip off to your destination. Just remember to follow local regulations, wear a helmet, and park responsibly to keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrians.

Regional Transit Connections

PATH Trains

PATH trains connect Newark with Jersey City and Manhattan, offering a fast, efficient option for commuters. Running from Newark Penn Station to destinations like the World Trade Center, PATH trains are a lifeline for those working or exploring in New York. With trains operating every few minutes during peak hours, PATH ensures minimal wait times and maximum convenience.

Connections to Nearby Cities

Newark is perfectly situated for regional travel. NJ Transit and private bus services provide seamless access to nearby cities like Hoboken, Elizabeth, and Union City. These connections make Newark an excellent base for exploring the rest of New Jersey and beyond.

Tips for Navigating Newark’s Transit System

Using Transit Apps

Transit apps are game-changers for navigating Newark’s network. Apps like NJ Transit’s MyTix and Google Maps provide real-time updates, route planning, and ticketing options. If you’re exploring beyond Newark, apps like Citymapper can guide you through multi-modal trips with ease.

Safety and Etiquette

Traveling in Newark’s transit system is safe and straightforward, but a few tips go a long way. Keep your belongings secure, avoid rush-hour crowds, and be courteous to fellow passengers. Small gestures, like giving up your seat to someone in need, can make everyone’s journey more pleasant.

Conclusion

Newark’s transit system in 2024 offers an impressive mix of convenience, connectivity, and sustainability. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a first-time visitor, options like the Light Rail, NJ Transit buses, and PATH trains ensure you can get where you need to go efficiently. With exciting upgrades and a focus on eco-friendly initiatives, Newark’s transit is set to serve the city better than ever. So hop aboard and explore Newark—your journey awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get from Newark to NYC?The PATH train or NJ Transit commuter trains are the fastest and most affordable ways to reach New York City from Newark. Ride-sharing services are another option, though they can be more expensive.

Are Newark buses wheelchair accessible?Yes, NJ Transit buses in Newark are equipped with ramps, lifts, and designated seating areas to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

Can I use a single ticket across multiple transit systems in Newark?Certain passes, like NJ Transit’s monthly passes, allow transfers across buses and trains. However, systems like PATH require separate tickets.

Is the Newark Light Rail reliable for daily commutes?Absolutely! The Light Rail offers frequent service, making it a dependable option for commuting within Newark and connecting to major hubs.

How do I find the best ride-share deals in Newark?Apps like Hopper, Uber, and Lyft often offer promotions and discounts. Additionally, scheduling rides during non-peak hours can help you save on fares.

[imathers]

The accuracy, efficiency, and fairness of these systems is not the point, and thus cracking open the black box will tell you very little about how they work. The true process is more straight-forwardly social: they operate through a process I think of as “technological delegation.” They work by mystifying questions of responsibility and agency behind a veil of technology, by subtly changing the subject. Uber did this by selling an unlicensed, unregulated taxi service as an “app.” Google did this when they used to blame the algorithm for search results. They’re machines for hiding behind, instruments of moral and legal arbitrage. As such, the normal forms of AI critique not only misapprehend the problem, but by focusing attention too tightly on technological politics, they actively help to deepen the illusion.

[mariacallous]

In the days since the March 22 terrorist attack on a concert at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow, there has been a growing wave of threats, physical abuse, and harassment from law enforcement and ordinary citizens against Central Asian diasporas across Russia.

The attack, which claimed at least 144 lives and was allegedly conducted by four Tajik nationals with ties to the Islamic State-Khorasan, has resulted in a vicious spike in the xenophobia and discrimination that have defined the lives of migrants in Russia for decades. Both the government and law enforcement have been actively fanning the flames of this hatred, in ways that ultimately serve Russia’s narratives around its invasion of Ukraine.

Last week, a shopping pavilion owned by Central Asian migrants was burned down in the city of Blagoveshchensk on the Russia-China border. In Kaluga, southwest of Moscow, a group of unknown perpetrators beat up three Tajik citizens on the street, one of whom was later hospitalized. Migrants from Kyrgyzstan were reportedly held at Sheremetyevo Airport outside Moscow for two days only to be later returned home. There are reports from across Russia that customers are refusing the services of taxi drivers of Tajik nationality. Kyrgyzstan already has called on its citizens not to travel to Russia, and the Tajik Embassy in Russia has told its nationals in the country to stay at home.

“This is the worst life in Russia has ever been,” Muboris, a Moscow-based cook from northern Tajikistan, told us over the Telegram messaging app. “My manager texted me saying he doesn’t need no terrorists at his restaurant and that he will stop paying me.”

“Now any offers to do [construction work] immediately stop as soon as employers learn I am from Tajikistan,” said Sadriddin, who has been living in Russia for more than a decade and who asked over Telegram not to use his real name. “I have some savings to wait this out, but they won’t last long, and I need to feed my family back home.”

Unable to find gainful employment in their economically stagnant countries, Central Asians go to Russia to search for work. According to Russian Interior Ministry data, labor migration from Central Asia hit a five-year high in 2022, with as many as 978,000 Kyrgyz, 3.5 million Tajiks, and 5.8 million Uzbeks entering Russia intending to work. In recent years, remittances (mainly from Russia) have totaled the equivalent of a third of Tajikistan’s GDP and a quarter of Kyrgyzstan’s. But while Russia remains a popular destination, migrants there have long faced issues from wage theft and ruthless bureaucracy to daily abuse, discrimination, and even death threats from law enforcement and ordinary Russians alike—and now it is only getting worse.

Valentina Chupik, a recognized human rights lawyer and the director of a Russia-focused migrant rights group, reported that she has received more than 2,500 calls from migrants in Russia since the terrorist attack complaining about illegal detentions and searches. Police raided facilities across Russia associated with migrant workers and detained dozens of people on suspicion of breaking migration laws. Members of the Russian parliament immediately called for further limits on migration from Central Asia, and a source at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the media that the government may tighten control over migrants.

Police raids on establishments that employ migrants and occasional spikes in anti-migrant rhetoric among government officials are common in Russia. While the authorities’ response is clearly aimed at projecting strength to a domestic audience—and simultaneously deflecting attention from their failure to prevent the attack—the corollary effect has been the continued normalization of violence against those who represent the proverbial “other”—the central figure in the worldview that sustains Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Despite the Islamic State-Khorasan claiming responsibility for the attack and the United States warning the Russian government about the likelihood of such an attack just a few weeks ago, the Russian government immediately tied the attack to the Ukrainian government and its Western partners. In his first remarks following the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged without any evidence that Kyiv had provided a “window” on the Russia-Ukraine border to enable the attackers to try to escape.

In subsequent comments on March 25, Putin, while acknowledging the role of the Islamic State-Khorasan in the attack, doubled down on allegations that Ukraine played a role and said the United States was “using every channel to try to convince its satellites and other countries … that there is supposedly no indication of involvement by Kyiv.” And he suggested that the attack was part of what he described as efforts by Ukraine, “carrying out the orders of its Western handlers,” to “sow panic” in Russia as Moscow’s forces are making gains in its invasion. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, wrote in his Telegram channel that if Kyiv’s involvement in the attack were revealed, “the terrorists themselves, as well as Ukrainian officials, must be destroyed.”

By simultaneously blaming the Islamic State, Ukraine, and the West, the Kremlin perpetuates the idea of “fortress Russia,” besieged on all sides. Regardless of who was behind the attack, the Kremlin “needed” it, Ukrainian sociologist Oleksandr Shulga said. Given the war’s duration and its negative impact on the Russian economy, he said, the Kremlin can no longer galvanize public support with the promise of rapid victory or material gain. And so they have fallen back on fear: “They need to replace mundane everyday life problems with something at the level of instinct and survival,” Shulga said.

Racism and xenophobia are embedded in much of Russian society, and in this case that has somewhat cut against the authorities’ preferred narrative. The authorities identified the suspects as Tajik nationals, but official statements, such as that of Federal Security Service head Alexander Bortnikov, have emphasized the purported culpability of Ukraine and its Western allies rather than the ethnicity of the suspected attackers. Nonetheless, the responses of ordinary citizens reveal the long-standing, visceral racism against non-ethnic Russians. Popular reactionary Telegram channels, many of which have thousands of subscribers, repeatedly mention the suspects’ Tajik nationality, employing heavily racialized and dehumanizing language. On March 25, popular pro-war author Alexander Lyubimov published a diatribe referring to Tajiks as “barbarians” and “not human.”

Violence—particularly the spectacle of violence—both real and symbolic is inherent to fascist regimes such as Russia’s and has defined the Russian authorities’ response to the attack. Images of the obviously tortured suspects have flooded official channels and the pro-war ecosystem on Telegram. One popular video shows a man in camouflage cutting off the right ear of Rajab Alizade, one of the suspects, and forcing the severed flesh into his mouth.

On March 23, another pro-war channel posted a video showing one of the suspects, whose face shows signs of beating, in a hospital bed being interrogated by an unknown man. The caption reads: “Interrogation of the beast in the hospital.” The comments reveal a rampant thirst for violence. “Putin, bring back the death penalty—and make it public,” one reads. “Cut off the ear of this one, too!” another reads. Another commenter calls on the interrogator to “hang him by the balls and break his fingers.”

This dehumanizing language echoes that which the same posters, as well as state media propagandists, use toward Ukrainians. While Tajiks and Ukrainians are two very distinct groups, the normalization—indeed, glorification—of violence against one group sustains the mindset that allows for violence against the other. Medvedev again wrote in his Telegram channel that Russia “will avenge everyone [killed in the attack], and everyone involved [in organizing the attack], regardless of country of origin and status, is now our legal and main goal. Watch out, bastards.”

“[Medvedev’s words] signal that almost everything is possible, everything is permitted, and this is very alarming,” said Stephania Kulaeva of the Anti-Discrimination Center Memorial.

While the 144 concert-goers were the first victims of the terrorist attack, they will not be the last. Central Asians in Russia—and, indeed, anyone who is not an ethnic Russian—are now suffering an even higher rate of attacks and harassment. This is the result of a deeply entrenched imperial worldview in which those not part of the empire’s ethnic core are seen at best as expendable and at worst as nonhumans who deserve the violence to which they are subjected.

In Ukraine, Russian soldiers, driven by this mindset, continue to kill service members and civilians alike, propelled by anti-Ukrainian hatred that the Kremlin’s response to the Crocus City Hall attack will only exacerbate. Immediately after the terrorist attack, Russia stepped up its bombardment of Ukraine, hitting Kyiv for the first time in six weeks. In Putin’s Russia, violence always begets further violence.

[allaboutcalgary]

Welcome to Calgary,

Getting around the city is relatively easy, thanks to its comprehensive public transportation system operated by Calgary Transit. Here's an overview of the different modes of transportation available and their respective costs (as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, so please check the official website for the most current prices and schedules: https://www.calgarytransit.com/).

Light Rail Transit (LRT): Calgary's LRT system, known as the CTrain, consists of two lines: the Red Line (Tuscany-Somerset/Bridlewood) and the Blue Line (69th Street-Saddletowne). Trains run frequently, usually every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes during off-peak hours.

Buses: Calgary Transit operates numerous bus routes that cover the entire city. Buses typically run less frequently than the CTrain, so make sure to check the schedule for specific routes.

On-Demand Transit: In some areas with lower ridership, Calgary Transit provides on-demand service. You can book a trip through the My Fare app or by calling the Calgary Transit call center.

Fares (as of September 2021):

Adult (18-64 years old):

Single fare: $3.50

Day pass: $11.00

Monthly pass: $109.00

Youth (6-17 years old):

Single fare: $2.40

Day pass: $8.00

Monthly pass: $79.00

Seniors (65+ years old):

Single fare: $2.40

Day pass: $8.00

Annual pass: $145.00

Please note that children under 6 years old ride for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. You can buy tickets at ticket vending machines located at CTrain stations, select convenience stores, or by using the My Fare app.

In addition to public transportation, you can also make use of taxis, rideshare services like Uber, and bike-sharing programs like Lime Bike. The cost of these services will vary based on the distance and time of your trip. Calgary also has a network of bike lanes and pathways, making it a bike-friendly city if you prefer to get around on two wheels.

Remember to check the official Calgary Transit website for the most up-to-date information on fares, schedules, and routes. Enjoy exploring Calgary!

[travelrajkot]

taxi in rajkot - Radhekrishnatravel

The vibrant energy in Surat bustles with the cultural and commerce tapestry. Navigating the 'Diamond City of Gujarat' offers reliable taxi services and daily commutes the tourists with expeditions comfortable for them. Radhe Krishna Travel Taxi Services in Surat caters various experiences to customers and bustles with the cultural & commerce tapestry. In this article we will give a comprehensive overview on Surat's taxi services by exploring its types, factors, services, etc in the dynamic city of Gujarat.  Types of Taxi Services:  1. Aggregator Apps: Taxi Service in Rajkot The user-friendly apps for instant car booking like Ola, Uber etc may raise the urban mobility in Surat. It provides best customer services and offers a variety of cars according to individuals comfort with reasonable budgets. This taxi service in rajkot also offers some additional features like ride- sharing, cashless payments, add convence, real time tracking, transparent fares, etc. 

Traditional Taxis: Taxis in Rajkot The streets of Surat are personalised with traditional Taxis in Rajkot stands and independent operators and offer a variety of services dotted with the offers of competitive fares especially for local commuters with special attention. The fares can be negotiated by ensuring required metre usage.  3. Radio Cabs: Cabs in Rajkot Surat operates several radio cabs in Rajkot companies mainly known for its reliable & stable drivers with well maintained cars like Savaari and Meru Cabs. The cars can be booked through the companies website or phone apps with seamless experience and fixed fares for specific routes.  4. Airport Taxis: Airport Cab Near Me Pre-paid booths for dedicated taxis at the airport provide convenient transportation options at International Airport of Surat may offer fixed fares according to locations and can be booked easily through the customised phone apps or online platforms in advance.  Factors Affecting Your Ride:  Time of Day: During the rush hours like morning or evening app based taxis can surge higher demand of pricing, in these times it is good to book a taxi in advance or opt for a traditional taxi can be cost-effective. 

Distance and Route: Rajkot to Ahmedabad Distance and Route comprises Longer journeys or outstation trips might require different pricing fares according to location as Rajkot to Ahmedabad compared to short local rides. Some taxis may offer different deals and packages for outstation trips, while others charge per kilometre according to taxi rules.  3. Type of Vehicle: Best Taxi Service in Rajkot The budget is crucial in every type of vehicle so it is necessary to choose a car according to budget, whereas Best Taxi Service in Rajkot premium cars may come at a higher cost as compared to other cars. 

Additional Services: Car Rental in rajkot Taxi Services in Surat may offer certain services like Car rental in Rajkot add ons, luggage assistance, meet and greet and child seats for free if you are required for that. 

Local Knowledge: The local knowledge of Surat's taxi drivers is invaluable because of its intricate lanes and traffic. The local taxi drivers of Surat are familiar with shortcuts and less congested routes can save your valuable time.  Beyond the Ride:  Rajkot Cab Technologies are emerging in Surat's taxi services with new players constantly evolving the sustainability initiatives like electric Rajkot cabs are also gaining traction in car entertainment systems, cashless payments and GPS navigation are constantly increasing and becoming increasingly common. The Future of RadheKrishnaTravel Services in Surat: The future of Surat Radhe Krishna Travel taxi services are growing and modernise for further innovations and poised for taxi service integration with public transport systems by the adoption of AI-Powered accessibility for differently abled passengers potential for future development.  Conclusion:  The taxi services of Surat are vibrant with diverse options comfortable for all passengers with many add ons services, stable and comfortable rides in the evolving landscape of Surat ' The Diamond City of Gujarat' where the wheels outstanding Radhe Krishna Travel taxis may ride you safely with full protection at your destination and offers you various deals and services to fulfil your comfortable rides & trusted rides according to your budget. So in conclusion, the taxi services in Surat are the best choice for passengers to opt for a comfortable and secure ride with different types of car booked by customised mobile apps and websites and are easy to use with several additional options available. So if you are local or a visitor in Surat these taxis help you to derive the cultural landscape of the city in Gujarat.

[taxibookingapplikeuberclone]

How to Build a Taxi Booking App Like inDriver, OLA, and Uber Clone App

In today's fast-paced world, convenience is key when it comes to transportation. Taxi booking apps like inDriver, OLA, and Uber have revolutionized the way people get around. If you're looking to join the ride-hailing industry and create your own successful taxi booking app, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll guide you through the process step by step.

Understanding the Market

Before diving into app development, it's crucial to conduct thorough market research. This research will help you identify your target audience, understand their needs, and analyze your competitors. Here's how you can get started:

Market Analysis

Begin by researching the ride-hailing market in your target region. Identify key players, market trends, and potential gaps in services.

Target Audience

Determine your app's target audience. Are you catering to everyday commuters, tourists, or a specific niche? Understanding your users' preferences is essential.

Building the App

Now that you have a clear understanding of the market, it's time to start building your taxi booking app. This process involves several steps:

Feature List

Create a detailed list of features your app will offer. This should include user registration, driver profiles, GPS tracking, payment processing, and more.

Technology Stack

Choose the right technology stack for your app. Consider whether you want to build a native app for iOS and Android or opt for a cross-platform solution.

Design and User Experience

Invest in an intuitive and user-friendly design. The app's interface should be easy to navigate for both passengers and drivers.

Development Team

Assemble a skilled development team or hire a reputable app development company to bring your vision to life.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Thoroughly test the app for bugs, glitches, and security vulnerabilities. Ensure it functions seamlessly before launch.

Deployment

Release your app on app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Optimize your app listing with relevant keywords and appealing visuals.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Compliance with local regulations is essential in the ride-hailing industry. Be sure to:

Obtain Necessary Permits

Check with local authorities to understand the permits and licenses required to operate a taxi booking service.

Data Privacy

Implement robust data privacy measures to protect user information and comply with data protection laws.

Marketing and Promotion

Once your app is live, you'll need to market it effectively to attract users:

Digital Marketing

Utilize digital marketing strategies like search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and online advertising to reach a wider audience.

Incentives and Referral Programs

Encourage users to refer friends and family by offering incentives and referral bonuses.

Scaling and Expansion

As your app gains popularity, consider expanding your services:

Geographic Expansion

Explore opportunities to launch your app in neighboring cities or countries.

Additional Services

Introduce additional services such as food delivery, package delivery, or carpooling to diversify your offerings.

Conclusion

Building a taxi booking app like inDriver, OLA, and Uber requires careful planning, a dedicated team, and a commitment to delivering a top-notch user experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can embark on your journey to creating a successful taxi booking app.

FAQs

How much does it cost to develop a taxi booking app?

The cost of app development can vary significantly depending on factors like features, complexity, and the development team's rates. It's best to get a personalized quote from app developers.

Is it essential to have a mobile app for both iOS and Android?

While having apps for both platforms is ideal for reaching a broader audience, you can start with one platform and expand later based on user demand.

What is the key to attracting drivers to my platform?

Offer competitive commissions, a user-friendly driver app, and efficient payment processing to attract and retain drivers.

How can I ensure passenger safety in my app?

Implement background checks for drivers, allow users to share ride details with friends, and incorporate a ratings and reviews system for drivers.

What are some emerging trends in the ride-hailing industry?

Some emerging trends include electric and autonomous vehicles, eco-friendly options, and improved AI for better route optimization and user experience.

[idowaz]

Idowaz: Your Go-To Taxi Service Near You for Convenient Commutes

In today's fast-paced world, finding a reliable taxi service near you is essential for seamless and stress-free commutes. Idowaz, a leading transportation platform, understands the importance of convenience and efficiency when it comes to getting from point A to point B. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and safety, Idowaz offers top-notch taxi service near you, ensuring a comfortable and timely journey. We will explore the exceptional features of Idowaz's taxi service and why it should be your first choice for all your transportation needs.

Idowaz: Redefining Taxi Service Near You

Idowaz is not just an ordinary taxi service; it is a comprehensive platform that caters to the diverse needs of passengers seeking reliable transportation options. Whether you require a ride for daily commuting, airport transfers, special events, or any other travel needs, Idowaz has got you covered. With a vast network of licensed and professional drivers, you can rest assured that you will reach your destination safely and comfortably.

Convenient Booking at Your Fingertips

Gone are the days of waiting on street corners, hoping to find an available taxi. Idowaz's taxi service near you is just a few taps away! With a user-friendly mobile app and a simple website interface, booking a taxi has never been easier. Whether you are at home, the office, or any other location, you can request a ride with ease and receive real-time updates on your driver's arrival.

Extensive Coverage Area

Idowaz takes pride in offering taxi service near you, no matter where you are. The platform has an extensive coverage area, ensuring that you can access reliable transportation solutions in your locality and beyond. Whether you reside in the heart of the city or on the outskirts, Idowaz has partnered with drivers who can cater to your travel needs promptly.

Safety First Approach

Your safety is Idowaz's top priority. When you book a taxi through Idowaz, you can trust that you will be paired with a professional and experienced driver who adheres to all traffic rules and safety regulations. Moreover, all vehicles in Idowaz's fleet are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure a safe and comfortable ride for passengers.

Competitive Pricing and Transparent Fare Estimates

Idowaz believes in providing top-notch taxi service near you at fair and competitive prices. With transparent fare estimates provided before booking, you can plan your travel budget with confidence. The platform ensures that there are no hidden charges or unexpected costs, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.

24/7 Availability

Life doesn't adhere to a strict schedule, and neither should your taxi service. Idowaz operates 24/7, offering round-the-clock availability to meet your transportation needs at any time of day or night. Whether you have an early morning flight, a late-night event, or an emergency trip, Idowaz's taxi service is always ready to assist you.

Customer-Centric Approach

Idowaz is committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring a delightful experience for every passenger. The platform values customer feedback and constantly strives to improve its services based on user suggestions. With dedicated customer support, any queries or concerns you may have will be addressed promptly.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Idowaz is not only passionate about providing exceptional taxi service but also about contributing to a greener environment. The platform actively promotes eco-friendly initiatives, encouraging drivers to adopt fuel-efficient driving practices and reduce their carbon footprint.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding a reliable taxi service near you, Idowaz stands out as a dependable and customer-centric choice. With a user-friendly booking platform, competitive pricing, a commitment to safety, and a vast network of licensed drivers, Idowaz ensures that your commuting experience is smooth, convenient, and enjoyable.

Embrace the convenience of modern transportation with Idowaz's taxi service near you. Whether you need a ride to work, a special event, or a leisurely outing, Idowaz is your trusted companion on the road. Book your next taxi ride with Idowaz and experience the difference in premium service and customer satisfaction.

[traveltourguide]

Essential Travel Information for Visiting the Dubai in 2023

Before embarking on your journey to this vibrant city, it’s essential to gather some valuable information that will enhance your experience and ensure a smooth visit. This guide aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge about Dubai’s culture, visa requirements, local customs, weather, transportation, attractions, and safety tips. By familiarizing yourself with these aspects, you’ll be better prepared to make the most of your time in Dubai.

I. Culture and Etiquette :

Islamic culture: Dubai follows Islamic traditions and customs, and it’s crucial to respect local traditions and sensitivities.

Dress code: Modest clothing is expected in public places, especially when visiting religious sites or government buildings. Beachwear is acceptable at beaches and pools.

Ramadan: If your visit coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, be aware of the cultural practices and the impact it may have on dining, entertainment, and dress code.

Greetings and gestures: Handshakes are common, but it’s polite to greet people of the opposite sex with a nod or a slight bow. Public displays of affection should be avoided.

Religious sites: When visiting mosques or other religious sites, dress modestly and follow the guidelines provided by the place of worship.

II. Visa Requirements :

Visa types: Check the visa requirements based on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Common types include tourist visas, transit visas, and employment visas.

Visa application: Apply for a visa well in advance through the appropriate channels, such as the UAE embassy or an authorized visa processing center.

Visa validity: Ensure that your visa covers the entire duration of your stay in Dubai. Overstaying can result in fines or other legal issues.

Passport validity: Your passport should have a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into Dubai.

III. Weather and Best Time to Visit :

Climate: Dubai has a desert climate with scorching summers and mild winters. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).

Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months between November and April when temperatures are more pleasant for outdoor activities.

Peak tourist season: Dubai experiences a surge in tourism during the winter months, particularly around December and January. Book accommodation and attractions in advance during this period.

Ramadan considerations: Visiting during Ramadan can provide a unique cultural experience, but it’s essential to be mindful of the altered schedules and restrictions on dining and entertainment.

IV. Transportation and Getting Around :

Dubai International Airport: Dubai’s main airport is one of the busiest in the world and offers excellent connectivity to various destinations. Familiarize yourself with the airport facilities and transportation options.

Public transportation: Dubai has an extensive public transportation network, including the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis (abras). The Nol card is a convenient payment option for using public transport.

Taxis and ride-hailing services: Taxis are readily available in Dubai and can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. Ensure the meter is used or negotiate a fare in advance.

Renting a car: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Dubai and the surrounding areas. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws, obtain the necessary permits, and consider parking availability.

Traffic and peak hours: Dubai experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Plan your journeys accordingly and allow extra time for travel.

Dubai Metro: The Dubai Metro is a reliable and efficient way to get around the city. Familiarize yourself with the metro routes, timings, and fare structure.

V. Popular Attractions and Activities :

Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world, offering stunning views of Dubai from its observation decks.

Palm Jumeirah: An iconic man-made island featuring luxurious resorts, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Dubai Mall: One of the largest malls globally, housing numerous retail outlets, entertainment attractions, and the famous Dubai Aquarium.

Jumeirah Mosque: A beautiful mosque that offers guided tours to non-Muslim visitors, providing insights into Islamic culture.

Desert safari: Experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Arabian entertainment in the desert.

Dubai Marina: A vibrant waterfront area with stunning architecture, fine dining, and leisure activities.

Souks: Visit the traditional markets, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, to immerse yourself in the local shopping culture.

Dubai Creek: Explore the historic heart of Dubai through a traditional boat ride (abra) along the creek.

Dubai Museum: Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the museum showcases Dubai’s heritage and history.

Theme parks: Dubai is home to various theme parks, including IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and Aquaventure Waterpark.

VI. Safety and General Tips

Local laws and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the laws of Dubai and ensure you adhere to them, especially regarding public behavior, alcohol consumption, and photography.

Health and safety: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and following hygiene practices.

Currency and payment: The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and street vendors.

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

Photography: Respect people’s privacy and avoid taking photographs of government buildings, military installations, and locals without their permission.

Respect for the UAE flag: Treat the UAE flag with respect, as any form of disrespect is considered an offense.

Respect for Ramadan: During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those who are fasting.

Emergency contacts: Save important contact numbers, including your embassy or consulate, local police, and emergency services, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion : Dubai offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, and by equipping yourself with knowledge about the local culture, visa requirements, transportation options, attractions, and safety tips, you can make the most of your visit. Respect for local customs, adherence to laws and regulations, and a spirit of curiosity and adventure will ensure an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city. Prepare well, embrace the unique experiences Dubai offers, and enjoy your time exploring the wonders of this cosmopolitan destination.

[rideboomindia]

RideBoom, a ride-hailing company, has demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing market conditions through various strategies and initiatives. Here are some examples of how RideBoom has adapted:

Introduction of new features and technologies: RideBoom has continuously introduced new features and technologies to differentiate its service from competitors and meet evolving customer needs. This includes features like real-time tracking, in-app payments, and integration with popular navigation apps [1].

Expansion into new markets: RideBoom has expanded its operations into new cities and countries, allowing it to tap into new customer bases and increase its market reach. By adapting its services to local market conditions and regulations, RideBoom has successfully entered and established a presence in multiple regions [1].

Diversification of services: In response to changing customer demands, RideBoom has diversified its services beyond traditional ride-hailing. It has introduced options like food delivery, package delivery, and bike-sharing, providing customers with a wider range of services and increasing revenue streams [1].

Partnerships and collaborations: RideBoom has formed strategic partnerships and collaborations with other companies to enhance its services and adapt to market conditions. For example, it has partnered with local restaurants for food delivery services and collaborated with bike-sharing companies to offer additional transportation options [1].

Adoption of sustainable practices: RideBoom has recognized the growing demand for sustainable transportation options and has taken steps to incorporate electric vehicles into its fleet. By introducing electric vehicles and promoting eco-friendly practices, RideBoom has adapted to changing market preferences and positioned itself as an environmentally conscious ride-hailing service [2].

These examples highlight RideBoom's ability to innovate, expand, and adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring its continued success in the ride-hailing industry.

Learn more:

Why RideBoom team is best placed to ensure that the innovation will succeed - RideBoom

Why RideBoom team is best placed to ensure that the innovation will succeed? | by Harman | Medium

Ride-hailing And Taxi Market Strategies: Navigating Growth Plans and Industry Developments through 2032

[techtose]

Developing a Reliable Taxi app Architecture

The on-demand taxi app industry has revolutionized urban mobility, with leaders like Uber, Ola, and Gojek transforming transportation. Gone are the days of waiting for buses or struggling with parking. Whether heading to a wedding, a business meeting, or an intercity trip, these apps provide a seamless experience with easy signups, intuitive interfaces, and quick ride confirmations, benefiting both riders and drivers.

As a leading taxi app development company in India, TechTose understands the criticality of a robust and scalable architecture for a successful taxi app. Handling surging user traffic, ensuring real-time updates, and maintaining high availability are paramount for a seamless user experience.

This blog delves into the key technical considerations for developing a scalable and reliable taxi app architecture.

1. Microservices Architecture

Decoupling: Break down the app into smaller, independent services (e.g., user management, ride requests, driver location, payments). This allows for independent scaling, development, and deployment.

Flexibility: Each service can be developed and deployed independently using different technologies and languages, providing greater flexibility.

Fault Isolation: If one service fails, it won't bring down the entire system.

Scalability: Scale individual services based on demand, optimizing resource utilization.

2. Cloud Computing

Scalability and Elasticity: Leverage cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP to easily scale resources up or down based on demand.

High Availability: Utilize redundant infrastructure and load balancing to ensure continuous service availability.

Global Reach: Cloud providers offer global infrastructure, enabling you to serve users worldwide with low latency.

3. Real-time Data Streaming

Efficient Communication: Utilize technologies like Kafka or Pub/Sub to efficiently handle real-time data streams, such as ride requests, driver locations, and status updates.

Low Latency: Ensure minimal delays in processing and delivering crucial information, such as driver availability and estimated arrival times.

4. NoSQL Databases

High Scalability: Employ NoSQL databases like MongoDB or Cassandra to handle the high volume and velocity of data generated by a taxi app.

Flexibility: NoSQL databases offer flexibility in data modeling and can easily accommodate changing data structures.

5. Caching Mechanisms

Reduced Database Load: Implement caching mechanisms like Redis or Memcached to store frequently accessed data in memory.

Improved Response Times: Serve cached data directly to users, significantly reducing response times and improving overall performance.

6. API Gateways

Centralized Control: Utilize API gateways like Kong or Apigee to manage and secure all API traffic.

Traffic Management: Implement rate limiting, request routing, and authentication/authorization policies at the gateway level.

Monitoring and Analytics: Gain insights into API usage patterns and identify potential performance bottlenecks.

7. Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

Faster Releases: Automate the build, test, and deployment processes to quickly release new features and bug fixes.

Reduced Errors: Minimize human error and ensure consistent quality across deployments.

8. Robust Monitoring and Logging

Proactive Issue Detection: Implement comprehensive monitoring and logging systems to track system performance, identify potential issues, and quickly diagnose problems.

Data-Driven Decisions: Analyze log data to gain valuable insights into user behavior, system performance, and areas for improvement.

Conclusion

By carefully considering these technical aspects, TechTose can develop a robust, scalable, and reliable taxi app architecture that can handle the demands of a growing user base and ensure a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

[roaming-kerala]

Taxi Service in Trivandrum: Your Gateway to Exploring Kerala’s Capital

Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital of Kerala, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and lush landscapes. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, getting around Trivandrum is made easy and comfortable with the city’s reliable taxi services. Taxis in Trivandrum offer a convenient, stress-free way to navigate through the city, explore nearby attractions, or even venture out on scenic road trips around Kerala.

Here’s a complete guide to taxi services Trivandrum, why they are the perfect transportation option, and how you can make the most of them during your visit.

Why Opt for Taxi Services in Trivandrum?

Convenience and Comfort Taxis provide a high level of comfort and convenience that other modes of transport might not offer. Whether you’re heading to a temple, beach, or the airport, a taxi ensures that you reach your destination comfortably and on time. You won’t have to deal with the hassle of crowded buses or searching for auto-rickshaws. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Flexible Travel Options Taxi services in Trivandrum offer flexibility like no other. You can hire a taxi for short city trips or book one for a full day to explore all that Trivandrum and its surroundings have to offer. Taxis are also available for outstation trips to nearby destinations like Kovalam, Varkala, Poovar, and beyond, allowing you to explore the best of Kerala at your own pace.

Affordable and Transparent Pricing While taxis might seem more expensive compared to public transportation, they are often more affordable when traveling in groups or with family. Many taxi services in Trivandrum operate on transparent pricing systems, either with fixed rates for specific routes or metered fares. It’s a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver or the taxi service beforehand to avoid any confusion later.

Experienced Drivers with Local Knowledge Trivandrum’s narrow streets and winding lanes can be difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with the city. Taxi drivers in Trivandrum are usually locals with extensive knowledge of the area, so they can take the quickest routes to your destination while avoiding traffic. Many drivers are also happy to share recommendations on places to eat, shop, or visit, making them unofficial tour guides during your journey.

Safety and Security Taxis in Trivandrum, especially those from established companies, prioritize safety and security. These vehicles are regularly maintained, and the drivers are vetted and experienced. If you’re new to the city, using a taxi service is a safer alternative to auto-rickshaws or informal ride-sharing options.

Types of Taxi Services in Trivandrum

Airport Taxi Service Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram International Airport) is a major entry point for both domestic and international travelers. To make your journey easier, the airport offers prepaid taxi services that operate from a designated counter. These taxis have fixed rates depending on the destination, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about negotiating fares or getting lost.

App-Based Taxi Services In addition to traditional taxi services, app-based ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are widely available in Trivandrum. These apps allow you to book a ride from your smartphone, and you can choose from various options based on your preferences and budget. These services are ideal for solo travelers or small groups who prefer cashless payments, ride tracking, and fare transparency.

Private Chauffeur Services For a more luxurious and personalized experience, several companies offer private chauffeur-driven cars in Trivandrum. These services are great for tourists who want a more refined experience or business travelers who need to make a professional impression. Chauffeur services are often available for city tours, airport transfers, and longer trips to destinations outside Trivandrum.

Tourist Taxi Services If you’re looking to explore Trivandrum and nearby attractions with a local guide, tourist taxi services are a fantastic option. Many of these services offer pre-arranged sightseeing packages or customized tours based on your preferences. Whether you want to visit iconic temples, beaches, or wildlife sanctuaries, tourist taxis can provide a seamless experience, making sure you don’t miss any must-see spots.

Popular Destinations to Explore by Taxi in Trivandrum

Padmanabhaswamy Temple One of India’s richest and most famous temples, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must-visit in Trivandrum. It’s an architectural marvel and spiritual center dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A taxi can easily take you to the temple, where you can explore its intricate carvings and beautiful surroundings.

Kovalam Beach Just 16 km from the city center, Kovalam is one of Kerala’s most famous beach destinations. Whether you want to relax by the Arabian Sea or enjoy water sports, a taxi ride to Kovalam Beach is quick and easy.

Varkala Varkala, located about 50 km from Trivandrum, is known for its stunning cliffs and serene beaches. It’s a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat, making it an excellent day trip from the city. A taxi will take you there comfortably and in style.

Poovar Island Poovar Island is a hidden gem of Kerala, where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea. It’s a picturesque destination for nature lovers, with boat rides and peaceful surroundings. Taking a taxi to Poovar is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Napier Museum and Zoo The Napier Museum, located in the heart of Trivandrum, offers a fascinating collection of Kerala’s cultural history, including ancient artifacts, sculptures, and traditional art. Adjacent to the museum is a zoo, perfect for families with children. A taxi ride to the museum is a great way to learn more about Kerala’s heritage.

Agasthyakoodam For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Agasthyakoodam, Kerala’s second-highest peak, offers an unforgettable trekking experience. It’s located around 60 km from Trivandrum, and a taxi ride will take you through scenic landscapes to the base of the peak.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery Art lovers should not miss a visit to the Sree Chitra Art Gallery in Trivandrum. The gallery showcases an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Indian art, including works by Raja Ravi Varma, one of Kerala’s most famous artists.

Tips for Using Taxi Services in Trivandrum

Confirm the Fare in Advance While taxi services are generally reliable, it’s a good idea to confirm the fare before starting your journey. Whether you’re using a metered taxi or an app-based service, knowing the cost upfront will help you avoid any misunderstandings.

Check the Vehicle’s Condition Before entering the taxi, take a moment to check the vehicle’s condition. A well-maintained taxi ensures a comfortable ride, and most reputable services provide clean, safe cars.

Keep Your Belongings Safe As with any mode of transport, keep your valuables like wallets, phones, and bags with you at all times during the ride. Most taxi drivers are trustworthy, but it's always good to stay vigilant.

Use Trusted Services While Trivandrum has many taxis available, it’s best to opt for well-known and reputable services. Checking reviews or booking through established providers will ensure a smoother and safer ride.

Plan Ahead for Popular Times During peak tourist seasons or festivals, taxis can be in high demand. It’s advisable to book a taxi in advance to avoid waiting or last-minute booking hassles.

Conclusion

Taxi services in Trivandrum are an excellent way to explore the city and Kerala’s scenic beauty without any hassle. Whether you need a ride to the airport, a trip to the beach, or a day tour of the city’s cultural landmarks, taxis provide a safe, comfortable, and convenient transportation option. With options ranging from traditional taxis to app-based services and private chauffeur-driven cars, there’s something for every traveler in Trivandrum.

So, the next time you’re in Trivandrum, skip the stress of navigating the city on your own and let a trusted taxi service take you wherever you need to go, making your trip both effortless and enjoyable.

[mariacallous]

A small group of protesters stand on the side of a roundabout opposite Brussels’ oak-framed Europa building, which is glowing in the dark. Despite the heavy rain, the group is here to direct their anger at the politicians, who are inside, deciding the future of Europe’s gig economy. In case their chants can’t be heard over the noise of passing traffic, the demonstrators have also printed their message onto a banner. It reads: “Don’t Let Uber Make the Law.”

Among the crowd are Camille Peeters, Marcus Haunold, and Felipe Corredor. The three men work for different companies and live in different countries—in Belgium, Austria, and Spain, respectively. But their experiences working as couriers for some of Europe’s most popular food delivery platforms have led them to the same conclusion. Platforms are taking advantage of their workers, they claim, and now those same companies are attempting to sabotage new rules that were supposed to fix the gig economy’s problems.

“Something has to change, because the current situation is really bad for most platform workers,” says Haunold, who has spent the past five years working for Foodora in Vienna, a food delivery app owned by Berlin-based Delivery Hero. As a “free employee,” a special category of worker in Austria, he is entitled to paid sick leave only after three days of being ill, and he does not receive holiday allowance. He says he’s finding it increasingly difficult to make a living in the gig economy, and in the past year he has started working for a second platform, a delivery service called Wolt, to make ends meet. (Alexander Gaied, chief operating officer at Foodora Austria, disputes the claim that conditions on the platform are getting worse and says riders’ pay per hour has increased 10 percent since January.)

When EU officials first suggested new rules to regulate the gig economy two years ago, Haunold was hopeful that his job was about to change for the better. Negotiations between EU officials over what exactly those rules, known as the Platform Work Directive, should include have been beset by infighting. Trade unionists and labor activists say that’s because the debate has been heavily influenced by Uber.

“I'm very worried,” says Leïla Chaibi, a French member of the European Parliament representing the Left group, who attended the protest. “Uber is using all the tools they can use in order to destroy the directive.”

Uber spokesperson Casper Nixon did not directly address allegations the company is trying to sabotage the rules, which are still being finalized. “The Platform Work Directive as drafted might cost genuine independent [workers] their protections, jobs and flexibility,” he says. “Like any company, we regularly engage with European policymakers to share our experiences and position on regulation that impacts our business, drivers, couriers, and consumers.”

By 2025, the EU predicts more than 40 million of its residents will work for digital platforms, carrying out tasks such as food delivery, taxi driving, babysitting, caring for the elderly, or data entry. That will make the number of people in the platform labor force larger than the population of Poland, the EU’s fifth-largest country. The new EU platform work rules were intended to better balance the interests of platforms and workers by setting clear guidelines on the use of algorithmic managers, as well as the gig economy’s most contentious issue: workers’ employment status. Right now, millions of platform workers exist in a legal gray area, where it is unclear if they are employees, who are entitled to sick pay and pensions, or if they’re self-employed free agents, who are not.

But recently, any optimism that the new rules could offer more certainty has soured. Unions and activist groups representing platform workers are wary of Uber’s influence because the company’s lobbying has been successful before. In California, voters endorsed a 2020 ballot measure that maintained ride-hailing drivers’ status as independent contractors, after a coalition of companies, including Uber, ran a $200 million campaign in support of the measure. Last year, The Guardian and Le Monde reported that Uber forged close ties with French president Emmanuel Macron while he was economy minister, in order to navigate the strong resistance by local taxi drivers and break into the French market. Nixon, Uber’s spokesperson, claims the company’s “engagement” with Macron was not followed by more favorable regulations.

Now platform workers are concerned that Uber is about to repeat past lobbying success in the EU by shaping the new platform work rules. “The lobby has been mega-intense, especially Uber,” says Kim Van Sparrentak, a Dutch Green member of the European Parliament (MEP), who is responsible for monitoring the new platform work rules for her party. “They have lobbied as much as they could to try to avoid this legislation being useful,” says Van Sparrentak, who has been in the room during the negotiations. “Sometimes it feels like you’re negotiating with tech companies rather than member states.”

Both Van Sparrentak and Chaibi say that arguments put forward by Uber—particularly that a directive that automatically classifies platform workers as employees would threaten jobs—have been repeated by other MEPs and representatives of the European Council.

Under EU transparency rules, companies need to declare their lobbying budget. In 2022, Uber’s budget was between €700,000 and €799,999 ($760,300 to $869,300). Since 2019, the company has declared 10 meetings with the EU Commission about the directive and another 10 with MEPs, according to data shared with WIRED by Transparency International EU (TIEU).

WIRED and TIEU analysis found another 30 meetings focused on platform work since 2019, which had taken place between MEPs or Commission officials and organizations that are allowed to lobby on Uber’s behalf. Like many companies, Uber is a member of several lobbying groups, including BusinessEurope and MoveEU. Information in the French lobby register also showed that Uber has been discussing the directive with the highest level of the French government. Representatives of France in the EU did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment.

“Uber is the 404th-biggest spender in Brussels, and it pales in comparison to other organizations involved in the [Platform Work Directive] debate,” Nixon says.

It’s true that the Transparency Register does not make it seem like Uber is doing huge amounts of lobbying, says Chaibi, the French MEP. “They're doing a lot of lobbying but using other tools.”

This includes funding research and advertising. Chaibi points to a 2021 study on platform work by the consulting firm Accenture, which states it was commissioned by Uber. Another study by consultancy Copenhagen Economics was commissioned the same year by Delivery Platforms Europe, a lobbying group that counts UberEats among its members. Uber was also among a group of five companies that signed a letter published by the Financial Times in June that argued the EU’s platform regulation was taking the wrong approach.

Uber has also been funneling money into online ads. In September, the platform started running a series of Instagram adverts in Belgium, promoting the company’s positive impact on Europe’s economy, according to Meta’s ad library. “Uber provides benefits—parental leave, sick pay, injury cover and more—to all eligible European drivers and couriers,” one ad read, glossing over the debate about who exactly is eligible. “Myths fuel misunderstandings about Uber’s mission and business practices, so it’s time we shared the facts,” read another.

“Our advertising campaign simply puts certified facts about the company in the public domain,” says Uber spokesperson Nixon. “Uber supports a strong and enforceable directive that ensures platform workers maintain the independence they want and receive the protections they deserve, such as minimum wage, holiday and sick pay.”

What’s at stake for Uber with the new rules is the employment classification of its Uber drivers and UberEats couriers. “Classification is the entry point into the whole range of protections, everything from protection against unfair dismissal, through to sick leave, through to parental or maternity leave, through to discrimination protection,” says Jeremias Adams-Prassl, a law professor at the University of Oxford. “That's why you can also see the attraction of misclassifying workers. If you misclassify individuals, you can try to avoid all of those obligations.”

Officials are divided about how platform workers should be classified. Many MEPs favor rules that would presume all platform workers are employees—unless the platforms can prove otherwise. But some representatives of EU member states, sitting in the European Council, prefer a system where workers first have to prove they meet a number of criteria before they can challenge their employment status. That’s because member states worry that if the rules are too strict, platforms would respond by shrinking their platform workforce, says Ludovic Voet, confederal secretary at the European Trade Union Confederation. “Some of these countries don't want to confront a business model that might push people out of employment statistics.” Four months after Spain introduced its rider’s law, which mandated that delivery couriers should be considered staff, Deliveroo closed its operations in the country entirely.

Platform workers worry that member states would struggle to enforce whatever new rules the EU passes. Standing in the rain in Brussels, Peeters explains he has worked for UberEats in the city for the past six years. In January, new rules took effect in Belgium that were meant to make it easier for platform workers to be classified as employees. “You know what’s changed? Nothing,” says Peeters. “The price I pay for rent is going up. The price I pay for food is going up. But my [employment] status has stayed the same.” Nixon says Uber complies with all applicable laws wherever it operates. “In Belgium we provide all independent drivers and couriers with free injury, sickness and paternity cover.”

In Spain, the “riders law” has been criticized in some quarters for being ineffective. “The biggest company there, Glovo, is not fulfilling this law for years and years with total impunity,” claims Corredor, who worked as a Deliveroo courier in Spain between 2016 and 2017 and is now an activist for the platform workers group Riders x Derechos. The point of Spain’s riders law was also to force platforms to classify more of their workers as employees. Instead of doing that, Glovo tweaked many of their couriers’ work terms so they could still be classified as independent, according to Corredor. “We are confident that our operating model in Spain, launched in August 2021, meets all regulatory requirements,” says Felix Eggert, spokesperson for Glovo.

For Corredor, this is all part of a bigger battle, where platform workers are battling to fight for the basic rights—minimum wage and maximum working hours—that exist in the rest of the economy. “This is [the platforms’] strategy, using the discourse of innovation and technology to take out these rights,” he claims. “I think this is very problematic.”