Uber (and Lyft, of course) drivers and taxi drivers hope a cap on the number of ride-hailing vehicles would improve wages and reduce congestion.
Emma G. Fitzsimmons and Aaron Robertson report that the proposal to cap the number of ride-hailing vehicles in the city has the support of the drivers who do the ride-hailing work. In other words, the proposal has united taxi drivers and Uber drivers.
It is their economic despair — underscored by six driver suicides in recent months — that has prompted the City Council to consider legislation this week to cap ride-hailing vehicles in the city and set a minimum pay rate for drivers.
Both taxi and Uber drivers are optimistic that the city’s proposals would halt the flood of vehicles clogging city streets and start making it easier for drivers to earn a decent living.
According to the article, the proposed legislation is expected to face a vote by the City Council on Wednesday of this week. "The legislation would limit the number of vehicles at the current level by stopping the issuance of new for-hire vehicle licenses while the city studies the rapidly changing industry, which has been transformed by Uber’s remarkable rise," according to Fitzsimmons and Robertson. "Ride-hail companies would be able to add new vehicles only if they are wheelchair-accessible."
FULL STORY: Taxi and Uber Drivers Are United in Backing a Cap on Ride-Hail Vehicles
New York City Council Proposes Cap on Number of Ride-Hailing Vehicles
To support the taxi industry and reduce congestion, the New York City Council could cap the number of ride-hailing vehicles operating in the city. The cap could be a first major step toward a new era of transportation regulation.
Ride-Hailing Prices Skyrocket as the U.S. Emerges From the Pandemic
A shortage of drivers and spiking demand are driving Uber and Lyft prices higher than ever as the companies struggle to achieve profitability.
New Regulations Grind Hiring to a Halt for Uber and Lyft
The New York City set standards for transportation network companies, and now those companies are being a lot more selective about who they hire as drivers.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service