RIDEGURU
Big news in NYC – the New York City Council enacted major changes in drivers’ favor and against Uber/Lyft. What impact will these regulations have on drivers? Senior RSG contributor Christian Perea covers the latest below.
Yesterday, the New York City Council enacted some of the strictest regulations on Uber and Lyft in the nation when they passed a sweeping package aimed squarely at ride-hail companies and their drivers. The regulations in New York City will include a 1-year cap on allowing new Uber and Lyft cars in the city while also creating an earnings floor similar to a minimum wage for drivers, as well as several other new rules.
This package serves as a huge blow to Uber and Lyft HQ while also being heralded as a major victory by many NYC for-hire drivers. It comes in the wake of six livery driver suicides in the past year, one of which was done on the steps of City Hall.
https://therideshareguy.com/nyc-tells-uber-and-lyft-to-take-a-hike/
Comments
I am a big fan of Uber and love driving for them, but I have heard repeatedly from my buddies who drive in the city that th market was not sustainable. Uber can claim all their benefits and wonderful things they offer, but this completely unregulated market wasn't going to last forever.
Drivers had too much flexibility. Veteran drivers saw a huge influx of people coming into NYC and driving their regular sedans. TNC licenses were a joke to get, and they all flooded the market. It was wild wild west.
Drivers were waiting more and more for their next fare, and they would just sit on the streets blocking traffic. We all talk about supply and demand, but the supply ballooned and it was becoming a huge congestion problem.
Forget the idealism. Look at the reality.
You don’t really realize how well regulated uber and lyft are in NYC until you visit other cities and the driver really is just some dude using a personal vehicle, not regulated or licensed by the city in any way.