Flashcards on Ten Principles of Economics

Ten Principles of Economics Explained for Students

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How can a government limit entry into the taxi market?

By approving only a certain number of taxi medallions or permits.

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Transport Market Regulation

10 cards

Card 1

Question: How can a government limit entry into the taxi market?

Answer: By approving only a certain number of taxi medallions or permits.

Card 2

Question: What regulatory power can a government use to control taxi prices and enforce rules?

Answer: Police powers, including the threat of fines or jail time to keep unauthorized drivers off the streets and prevent charging unauthorized prices.

Card 3

Question: Why are Uber cars often not subject to the same taxi regulations?

Answer: Because Uber cars do not roam the streets looking for taxi-hailing pedestrians and are technically not taxis, so they are not subject to the same regu

Card 4

Question: What convenience advantage do app-based services like Uber offer compared with traditional taxis?

Answer: Passengers can remain inside, use a smartphone to arrange a ride, and avoid waiting on the street in bad weather.

Card 5

Question: How does Uber's pricing compare to regulated taxis?

Answer: Uber cars often charge less than taxis, but not always; Uber allows drivers to raise prices significantly during surge demand while regulated taxis ar

Card 6

Question: What is surge pricing and when does it occur?

Answer: Surge pricing is significant price increases by drivers when demand surges, such as during sudden rainstorms or late on New Year's Eve.

Card 7

Question: Why do traditional taxi drivers oppose services like Uber?

Answer: They complain that the new competition eats into their source of income.

Card 8

Question: From an economist's perspective, why is competition from services like Uber considered beneficial?

Answer: Vigorous competition among producers makes a market work well for consumers, improving consumer well-being.

Card 9

Question: What did a 2014 survey of economists conclude about car services such as Uber and consumer well-being?

Answer: All surveyed economists said such car services increased consumer well-being.

Card 10

Question: What proportion of surveyed economists said surge pricing increased consumer well-being, and why?

Answer: 85% said surge pricing increased consumer well-being because it increases the quantity of car services when most needed, allocates services to those w