A new 57-cent tax will help fund affordable housing and a few transportation programs in Seattle.
"The Seattle City Council is moving ahead with a new tax on Uber and Lyft rides pitched by Mayor Jenny Durkan as a way to fund affordable housing, the delayed downtown streetcar and new support for the drivers who work on ride-hailing apps," reports Heidi Groover.
The City Council approved the 57-cent tax as part of its 2020 budget. "The new tax totals 57 cents but Uber and Lyft passengers may only notice 51 cents of that as a new cost. Seattle already charges 24 cents per ride but plans to reduce those fees by 6 cents," according to Groover.
The article details the political debate on either side of the issue, and notes that Seattle could continue to implement new regulations of ride-hailing companies in the future. "Durkan and the council have also promised to ensure Uber and Lyft drivers make Seattle’s $16 minimum wage starting next summer, but the city first plans to study driver pay," according to Groover.
Read the full story: Seattle City Council OKs new 57-cent tax on Uber, Lyft rides
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