Transportation
The End of Taxis
Traditional taxicab drivers are in trouble and they don't even know it yet.
Confession time: Ever since we launched Cities last fall, I've ended up taking a taxi to work in the morning more often than is really prudent for my household budget. The offices for The Atlantic happen to be situated in one of the least transit-friendly spots in Washington, D.C. and, you know, sometimes I'm in a hurry.
Good for the taxi drivers, bummer for my wallet, right? After all taxis, at least in cities where they are plentiful and can be hailed from the street, are supposed to fill exactly this niche: Being there for people who need a car to take them where they're going, right this second.