Disrupting D.C.: The Rise of Uber and the Fall of the City

Uber's success in Washington, D.C., was due to its ability to navigate local politics and intransigent regulators, creating a playbook for how to deal with them. This book offers a 360-degree view of an urban America in crisis, showing that Uber's success was not a sign of urban strength or innovation but of urban weakness and low expectations about what city politics can achieve.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Washington, D.C., the city that initially stood up against Uber, played a pivotal role in the company's global expansion. It was in this city that Uber developed a strategic playbook to navigate challenging regulators and secure victories in local politics. As the capital of the United States, D.C. now serves as a blueprint for how Uber conquered cities worldwide.

However, the book "Disrupting D.C." argues that many individuals and groups share responsibility for undermining the nation's aspirations for its cities. In the face of broken transit systems, underemployment, and racial polarization, Uber appeared to offer a lifeline. Nevertheless, the cost of this success was profound, revealing the deep-rooted weaknesses and low expectations surrounding urban politics.

Uber's rise should not be viewed as a testament to the strength or innovation of individual companies but rather as a reflection of the broader societal challenges facing urban areas. Understanding the factors that contributed to Uber's success provides a stark reminder of how far we have fallen as a society.

The book "Disrupting D.C." offers a comprehensive and multi-faceted perspective on the urban politics and social divisions that shaped Uber's rise and impact. Through extensive interviews with gig workers, policymakers, Uber lobbyists, and community organizers, the book provides a deep understanding of the complex dynamics at play. It sheds light on the ways in which Uber's business model disrupted traditional taxi industries, the challenges it faced in navigating local regulations, and the strategies it employed to win over public support.

Furthermore, the book explores the broader societal implications of Uber's growth. It examines how the company's reliance on gig work has impacted the labor market, the distribution of wealth, and the quality of life for workers and residents. It raises concerns about the impact of Uber's business model on the environment, transportation congestion, and public safety.

In conclusion, "Disrupting D.C." is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a comprehensive analysis of the urban politics and social divisions that gave rise to Uber. It serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of unchecked corporate power and the importance of responsible urban planning and governance. By understanding the factors that contributed to Uber's success, we can learn from its mistakes and work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for cities around the world.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 155 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691249759