Center City recently experienced a huge traffic jam, but it was not because of vehicles. Several hundred taxi drivers, Uber Black drivers, and other cab drivers took to the streets to protest against Uber X and Lyft. They feel that those two driving services get unfair advantages.
TAXI DRIVERS PROTEST AGAINST UBER X AND LYFT
For over an hour, the protesters were gathered in Center City to protest against Uber X and Lyft. Their main point of the protest was to have both of those driving companies shut down due to illegally operating in the city. What is happening is the Parking Authority is not regulating Uber X or Lyft like they do for taxi drivers. This means that drivers from those two services can get away with, for example, increasing their earnings.
UNFAIR ADVANTAGES THAT UBER X AND LYFT HAVE
Uber X and Lyft hold other advantages besides being able to increase their earnings by advertising in their car. One of the protesters spoke out and he is an Uber Black driver. He states how those driving services do not have to pay commercial insurance and they do not even need a commercial license. Also, the same protester commented and said that they do not have the detailed background checks that they have.
OTHER PROTESTERS TALK ABOUT UBER X AND LYFT
The general consensus from the protesters is that they wanted this problem fixed. They said that they feel completely ignored by the city and that they want to see the city do more about this. However, a Philadelphia Parking Authority representative mentioned that they do take part in regular stings. The representative stated that the authority goes after any illegal ride-sharing organizations.
THE PHILADELPHIA PARKING AUTHORITY IS TRYING THEIR BEST FOR TAXI DRIVERS
The president of the Taxi Workers Alliance of Philadelphia, Ronald Blount, notified the public that the Philadelphia Parking Authority is doing all they can. Blount stated that they only have eight enforcement inspectors to try and stop the illegal activity. He notifies people that they need help because they have eight people going up against thousands of Uber X drivers in the city. They are a little outmatched, don’t you think? More people need to step up for this to be made possible.
WHY UBER X AND LYFT ARE MAKING TAXI DRIVING IRRELEVANT
There was actually a statement that was released by a spokesperson from Uber. They mention in their statement how many taxi drivers are frustrated and they understand why. The statement points out that the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s outdated rules are indeed making it harder for taxi drivers to make a decent living. So, in other words, their statement is pointing to the fact that taxi drivers are becoming less successful. This does not seem right as all driving companies should be treated the same and have the same advantages.
WILL TAXI DRIVERS GET WHAT THEY WANT?
The protest performed by taxi drivers, Uber Black drivers, and other cab drivers has led to Uber commented about it. They stated how they have heard all of the complaints from the protesters and that they are working on a solution. They mention how they indeed want to make it easier for those drivers to make more money. However, are they actually going to do this and how long will it take? Only time will answer those questions, but one thing that is known is taxi drivers deserve better than this.
