Question

Consider two cities, City A and City B, which are entirely identical except that Uber operates in City A, but not in City B. Consumers in City A can choose between Uber and a taxi when selecting a means of transport, while consumers in City B can travel only via taxi. When the government imposes a tax on taxis in City A and City B, the price of a taxi ride will increase _______ in City A than in City B.

Answer 1

Answer:

Less

Explanation:

In the given scenario taxi prices will go up less in City A than City B. This is because in City A we have both Uber and taxis, and there is substitution. If customers don't have taxis they will commute by Uber. So demand for taxis in City A will be elastic. An increase in price will result in a large decrease in demand. Taxi drivers will cautiously increase prices here.

In City B the only option for commuters is the taxi, so the demand will be inelastic. As price increases there is relatively little change in quantity demanded. Taxi drivers can increase prices more here without losing customers.