Uber relies on individuals who sign up to be drivers using their own cars, and it describes itself as a technology company, not a taxi company. According to Blackwood, neither Uber nor its drivers have sought licenses from the city, which means they are breaking the law.
Uber responded to a request for comment with the following statement: “Since our launch in Burlington, riders and drivers have embraced the added choice and economic opportunity with open arms. We look forward to continuing productive conversations with local officials, working together on a temporary agreement and moving towards a permanent solution for ride-sharing in Burlington.” Spokesperson Kaitlin Durkosh declined say whether they plan to continue to operate in the meantime.
The mayor met with two Uber officials on the morning the company launched in Burlington. Afterward, both parties said they were looking forward to updating the city’s taxi ordinance to better accommodate companies like Uber. At that time, the city attorney was still determining whether companies like Uber fell under the city’s taxi ordinance. Blackwood’s letter leaves the door open for this discussion: “Mayor Weinberger is willing to explore with Uber whether changes to modernize the ordinance are warranted and can be crafted in such a way that the public is fully protected and that Uber can offer its service to Burlingtonians.”
Blackwood’s letter also reiterates Weinberger’s willingness to develop a “temporary operating agreement” with Uber, but under any such arrangement, Uber would need to meet a number of requirements, including background checks for drivers, vehicle inspections and adequate insurance. It would also need to pay the licensing and permit fees that traditional taxis are subject to. Uber spokespeople have said that its background checks and insurance requirements are on par with or superior to these requirements; they’ve also argued that its rating system for drivers and passengers offers more accountability.
In the meantime, the city can impound Uber vehicles and fine the drivers $300. Burlington’s taxi enforcement has been notoriously lax for years, though the city has recently been looking for ways to beef up oversight.
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Considering how the taxis in Burlington charge ridiculous amounts of money to travel short distances, well over $20 for a ten minute trip four miles to the airport in my case. The price gouging is itself a crime! I think it would be short-sighted and backwards if Burlington stifled competition. If residents choose to take a ride with an unlicensed stranger, that should be our choice. Personally I would be happy to risk it, and somehow I think licensed taxis would moderate their pricing in order to stay in business. Eileen Blackwood ought to be advising how we can accommodate competition rather than protect the taxi companies. Uber and Lyft and Gett are all wonderful alternatives!
I guessing that the auto insurers of these jitneys would love to know that their clients are hiring themselves out. Talk about additional liability. I seriously doubt that, in an accident, the client would be covered after the insurer found out what the client was up to.