An op-ed by Mayor Bill de Blasio declares that the time has come to regulate transportation companies like Uber.
Mayor Bill de Blasio penned an op-ed for the New York Daily News arguing in favor of his recent proposal to cap the number of for-hire drivers allowed in Manhattan. The proposal comes as a response, according to de Blasio, to an increased number of for-hire drivers on the road—"More than 2,000 new for-hire vehicles are being added to our streets every month." It's worth noting that the mayor uses the term "for-hire drivers" instead of "transportation network companies" as many planners prefer. Also, Mayor de Blasio only calls Uber out by name, repeatedly throughout the op-ed.
And the op-ed's complaints against Uber shift quickly from congestion to the other regulatory battles embroiling the company in other locations around the country and even as far away as London.
After that introduction, de Blasio voices his policy goals:
"We want a data-driven approach, guided by detailed study, so we can develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy for a thriving, sustainable and innovative for-hire car market. And we support a short pause in the rapid increase of for-hire vehicles to make sure that the future growth of this industry lives up to the policies and principles we set out as a city."
Mayor de Blasio also focuses on several principles to help achieve those goals, including:
- Protect workers.
- Protect Riders
- Improve accessibility.
- Invest in Public Transit.
- Promote low-carbon transportation.
- Keep our transportation system moving.
FULL STORY: Bill de Blasio: A fair ride for New Yorkers
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