Latko

zomp said:

This is a good and cheap study for Apple, they don't have the risks and I believe they went in knowing that they would lose a billion and weren't too worried. Rideshare is a unique business and new to the world. Uber hasn't made money at all - they are paying their bills of course, but they aren't profitable. One of the big issues is that they expect their drivers to act like employees', but then kick them off if they are selective of the rides they choose to accept. Another big problem is dealing with every local law and ordinance in the world along with commercial insurance. There isn't enough money for the driver or uber because there is no uniformity.
 So, if driverless cars are used, I can say (as a former Uber X driver) that there will still be no money to be made. The cars will always need to be cleaned after every ride and the cars will be expected to drive long distances for a pickup for a passenger only driving 2 miles. Think of it, uber expects their drivers to accept a ride 10-15 miles away and not be paid for the 30 minute or longer drive time and to pick up the passenger to go to the local store only 2-3 miles away - the driver receives a whopping $3.50 and then the driver needs to drive back close to home - The driver makes less than 3.00 per hour and loses .57 cents a mile.
Point is, there is too much wear and tear on the vehicle and tons of maintenance required and especially after someone throws up, eats in the car, smokes, spills a drink, pees, and so much more - even folks who walk on mud get into your car. It's a losing business model and only the software engineers make the best money.