The arrival of Uber in the taxi industry marked a global revolution, offering a new level of convenience and affordability through its app-based ride-hailing service. With just a few taps, users could summon a driver, track their route in real-time, and pay digitally – a stark contrast to the traditional method of hailing or pre-booking taxis.

This model quickly caught on in Scotland in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, where Uber's presence rapidly grew. In October, Uber officially launched in its third Scottish city, Aberdeen. A September 2017 study reported that since its introduction, over 400,000 people have taken an Uber in Scotland.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber have dramatically challenged the dominance of traditional taxis, long considered a staple of urban transport in Britain, and serving as a familiar sight on our streets. Uber’s flexible pricing attracted cost-conscious passengers, while its ease of use appealed to tech-savvy consumers. This shift disrupted the taxi industry, creating a divide between fleet taxis and black cabs and the more flexible, app-driven services that have reshaped urban transportation across the world.

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Uber's dynamic pricing model, known as surge pricing, allows fares to fluctuate based on demand. During low-demand periods, passengers can benefit from significantly cheaper rides, appealing to budget-conscious users. However, during peak times – such as after major events or busy nights – prices can rise sharply, sometimes reaching inflated levels. While surge pricing ensures ride availability during high demand, it has sparked controversy, with some consumers feeling overcharged in these situations.

In contrast, fleet taxis operate on fixed meter fares that are regulated and offer some degree of transparency and predictability for passengers. While the Civic Government Scotland Act of 1996 mandates that fare scales be reviewed at least every 18 months, black cab drivers can charge lower fares if they choose, creating a measure of flexibility. Consumers appreciate knowing upfront that their fare won’t suddenly spike due to........

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