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# Uber: The World's Modern Taxi

A new taxi trend is taking over the world. Uber doesn't have a long history, but it has proven it's here to stay by providing major benefits and a competitive spirit.

Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp launched the Uber transportation app in 2009 in San Francisco, California, US. In May 2011, it started spreading to other American cities. In December of the same year, it expanded into its first international city - Pairs, France. Uber now operates in 58 countries and 300 cities across the globe. It's worth an estimated US$50 billion.

Uber combines the traditional taxi ride with the morden technology of the 21st century. All Uber transactions are handled electronically; the app finds you a drive, navigates, and processes the paymemt. The only interaction you have with the driver is pleasant conversation. Using Uber is slightly different from a normal taxi ride because you can estimate the cost of your ride before you decide to hire a drive and split the fare with other passengers. Additionally, the app can send a text message with your Uber ride information to friends or family, adding an element of safety to your ride.

Despite its many advantages, Uber has its critics. Some goverments have banned the app because its drivers aren't properly trained or insured. On February 19, Uber was declared illegal in Taiwan The goverment said that the drivers had violated the Highway Act and Transportation Management Regulations. Taxi companies have also opposed Uber, as they've lost business because of Uber's cheap rates and fast reaponse time. Protestes against Uber have become common, locally and internationally. It remains to be seen whether Uber's many advantages will win out against traditional taxis. Which one would you choose to take a ride in?

# 段落大意

第一段:
告知主題是要闡述 new Taxi

第二段
Uber 發展史

第三段
Uber 的運作模式，好處等等

第四段
Uber 的問題或不足

# Reading Questions

1. Which of the following statements about Uber is TRUE?

   • It is illegal in some countries.
   • It was started by a US taxi driver in 2009.
   • It is more popular abroad than in the US.
   • It operates through a control center.

2. According to the passage, how does Uber work?

   • Ubers can share the ride with other passengers.
   • Ubers pay the transportation fare directly to the drivers.
   • Ubers can negotiate the cost of the ride with the driver.
   • Users have to register in paper from before using the service.

3. Compared with normal taxis, Uber is all of the following EXCEPT .

   • more advanced
   • greener
   • less costly
   • more convenient

4. What is one criticism of Uber based on the passage?

   • The drivers don't show up fast enough.
   • The drivers are not paid enough.
   • The drivers lack sufficient training.
   • The customer service is lousy.