Sir, – Brian McHugh’s call for expanded ride-hailing services presents a tidy solution: more drivers, more competition, better outcomes for consumers (“Irish people should have the option of calling Uber or Bolt,” February 19th). The reality, however, is rarely so straightforward.
Uber’s history in other markets is well documented. Initial entry is often driven by heavy subsidies and artificially low pricing, placing immediate pressure on existing operators. Once competitors weaken or exit, pricing models tend to shift. Consumers may gain short-term convenience, but this frequently comes at the expense of long-term market balance
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