Transportation

Why Uber Will Still Dominate

With CEO Travis Kalanick taking leave, the company's leadership is in turmoil. But unless city regulations change, the ride-hailing company will remain on top.
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick will take a leave of absence the company grapples with the findings of two workplace investigations. Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

With the results of a wide-ranging investigation led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder into sexual harassment, discrimination, and alleged criminal activity among Uber employees, founder and CEO Travis Kalanick will take a long-term leave of absence from the company, with diminished responsibilities upon return. The highly unusual move follows the firing or resignation of several of Kalanick’s direct reports for reasons connected to the probe.

There’s a lot of uncertainty swirling around the polarizing ride-hailing firm. But one thing’s for sure: In the growing dog-pile of transportation network companies (or TNCs), Uber and its number-two competitor Lyft remain at the top of the heap. They are likely to stay there so long as regulatory conditions are favorable.