RIDEGURU
T-RabitDriven
Are you guys seeing this?!! NYC taking a stance against Uber for once?! Limiting the number of rideshares! What happened to all the lobbyists that Uber pays off?! Does billions of dollars in cash mean nothing to these law makers?! LOL.
The last time New York City tried to impose a cap on Uber’s vehicles, the rout was brutal. Uber introduced a “de Blasio view” in its ride-hailing app, blaming long wait times on Mayor Bill de Blasio. Celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Kate Upton voiced their support for Uber on Twitter.
The mayor was forced to back away from the plan in 2015.
Now, Uber is gearing up for another fight, this time over a proposal by the City Council for a yearlong cap on for-hire vehicle licenses. But the political terrain has shifted substantially, and this time it is Uber on the defensive.
Over the last three years, Uber and other ride-hail companies have added tens of thousands of vehicles to New York’s roads, prompting growing alarm over congestion and low driver wages.
Uber’s reputation has also taken a beating over accusations of gender discrimination and harassment and other scandals. Its new chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, has tried to adopt a friendlier, more cooperative approach.
At the same time, there have been signs of a broader disillusionment with Silicon Valley in cities across the country. New York is also moving to rein in Airbnb, another popular service that has threatened the hotel industry.
On Friday, Corey Johnson, the City Council speaker, said he was confident about passing the legislation for a cap and other regulations for the for-hire vehicle industry. Mr. Johnson wants to vote on the bills by Aug. 8.
