LETTERS: Taxi system must change to compete

I’ve heard that Uber and Lyft have taken away only 20 percent of the taxi business in Las Vegas. But recently, as I sat in my taxi at the JW Marriott, I watched nine Uber drivers load fares while we cabbies took not one ride. At best, that equates to Uber taking 90 percent of the cab business at that hotel. Of course, that’s micromanaging the count per hotel, and that may be the only way to get an accurate appraisal.

Ride-sharing is still in its infancy here. When those companies really do have the outer-limits hotels and other businesses secured, then the only thing left will be to take passengers to the Strip and the airport. I sincerely believe the taxi companies have underestimated ride-sharing services, which will bring the cab industry to bankruptcy.

Unless we get a lease/ owner-operator/flat-rate system that allows cabbies to compete with Uber, the taxi industry will cease to exist very soon.

Gil Lay

Las Vegas

Rising gas prices

Robert Campbell, in his letter to the editor, blames President Barack Obama for the 50-cent rise in gasoline prices, and he would also like to know what this revenue is to be used for (“Gas prices,” March 23 Review-Journal). The federal gasoline tax has been 18.4 cents since 1993, even though inflation has gone up 64 percent since then. The Nevada gas tax is 33.85 cents. Every time you see roads being repaired, you are seeing your gas tax dollars at work, but there still isn’t enough money to repair all the bridges and infrastructure that need it.

It’s the gas companies that raise and lower the prices at will, and they are the ones responsible for the gas prices going up. Maybe they needed more money to pay dividends, or they just wanted more profit, but they don’t have to explain their reasons, unlike the government.

Government, be it federal, state or local, isn’t the cause of every problem. You may not like some government decisions, but you have the right to vote in the next election to try to change things.

Janice Herr

Las Vegas

SeaWorld and whales

Whales living in captivity are ostensibly living in a bathtub, rather than open habitat. The sad truth is that the creatures at SeaWorld have not had it easy, and the decision by SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby to phase out its orca breeding program was a wise one (“SeaWorld will no longer breed killer whales,” March 17 Review-Journal online).

It also sets an example of what can be accomplished when adversaries negotiate, rather than continuing their acrimonious relationships. Ongoing battles with animal welfare organizations, public pressure and negative publicity have compelled those who use animals in entertainment to reconsider their choices. Some have arrived at the conclusion that it would prove beneficial to work with organizations, such as the Humane Society of the United States, to find some common ground. Ultimately, it benefits those most affected, the animals.

While there is still concern for the marine life that remains at SeaWorld, this is a time to rejoice with the spirit of compromise that has taken place, and use it to continue moving forward together.

Annoula Wylderich

Las Vegas