Your Unicorn Has Arrived

You Have Five Minutes Before Your Ride Departs.

- Edward Loh

The team put together a fascinating story entitled “Ditch Your Car” in the April 2019 issue. In it, we profiled an L.A.-area businessman who traded car ownership for full-time ride-hailing via Uber and Lyft. We’re big fans of cars and car ownership, and we know that you are, too, so I was curious what the response would be. I was not disappointed (and yes, this was a real letter).

Dear Mr. MotorTrend:

I imagine you’re some young squirt, all full of himself. You say it’s “clear that Uber and Lyft offer a superior experience to taxis with the ability to hail a ride via an app, pay via credit card, and rate your driver.” I say balderdash! The app is on my phone, which I can use to hail a taxi if I can’t just wave one down. Then I can use my credit card to pay with a simple swipe inside the taxi. And I don’t have to waste my time “rating” anyone. The only thing missing from the taxi experience is the existential joy of learning my Uber driver “liked” me (another waste of time).

Sincerely,

A. Curmudgeon