NewsWatch
  Keeping a critical eye on Uber, 
Lyft, Sidecar, et al

Welcome to the latest edition of AFT NewsWatch, a weekly service of Advocates for Fairness in Transportation, an ad hoc group of regulated transportation service companies dedicated to informing and educating the public on threats to public safety from new so-called ride-sharing or ride-booking services such as Uber, Lyft and Sidecar. Visit the Archive to read previous editions.

Bill would punish Uber, Lyft for hiring sex offenders

A new ride-hailing bill has surfaced in the state Capitol, and it's sure to add fuel to the political fire smoldering over attempts to regulate the sharing economy in California. SB 372, so-called gut-and-amend legislation that replaces the previous contents of the bill, would make it illegal for companies such as Lyft Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. to "employ" or "retain" any driver required by law to register as a sex offender. It was introduced by Sen. Cathleen Galgiani, D-Stockton, on July 8.

Read more from the Recorder

Are Uber and Lyft driving recalled cars?

It turns out that despite Uber and Lyft's public rhetoric about safety, consumers that use these services may be riding in vehicles with unfixed safety recalls. Neither company requires its drivers to repair recalled cars; in fact, the mandatory safety inspections do not even involve checking to see if a car has been recalled. (To check, one would enter a vehicle's 17-digit VIN number online.)

Read more from The American Prospect

Uber suspending operations in Broward County, Florida

Key West says it will arrest Uber drivers

Now that Uber has announced it will suspend operations in Broward effective July 31, Key West commuters are wondering if the island town could be the next domino to fall for the ride-sharing app in South Florida. Last week, the city threatened to arrest any Uber drivers operating there. There have been no arrests yet, but city spokeswoman Alyson Crean says Uber drivers should heed the warning. "Uber has, despite warnings, been actively recruiting drivers down here," Crean tells New Times. 

Read more from the Miami New Times

 Taxi drivers from across the state want to put the brakes on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft
Taxi drivers from across New York State want to put the brakes on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft

Uber under assault around the world as taxi drivers fight back

Smartphone-driven Uber is revolutionizing taxi service around the world, and in so doing has unleashed a global backlash that includes violent protests in France, legal barriers in Germany, a criminal investigation in New Delhi and police raids in China. The common anti-Uber battle cry has been unfair competition, largely from established cab companies that claim Uber's business model evades regulations to ensure safety and uniform fares. 

Read more from USA Today

Uber files motion opposing driver class-action suit

In a counteroffensive filled with driver testimonials, expert witnesses and a highly produced video, Uber filed a motion in a California court to oppose the certification of a class-action lawsuit that spotlights the work status of drivers for the ride-hailing service. The plaintiffs assert that they are employees, and they are seeking reimbursement for expenses and what they say were improperly withheld tips.

Read more from The New York Times

Uber tries divide-conquer to fight drivers' bid for benefits

There's no such thing as a typical Uber driver, the company said in a bid to fend off a group lawsuit seeking to elevate its staff from independent contractors to employees. Uber Technologies Inc. is fighting a threat to its business model from drivers who want a guaranteed a minimum wage, compensation for mileage and the right to pay into Social Security. 

Read more from Bloomberg

Uber driver left a woman a voicemail threatening to cut her neck

The driver appears to have made the threat of violence after a Hackney woman cancelled her booking, Uber told BuzzFeed News. This voicemail was passed on to BuzzFeed News by Anna Kealey, a 28-year-old university lecturer based in Hackney. On the recording, a man's voice repeatedly says, "Hello, please don't do that again." He calls Kealey an "idiot", saying "you bring me here and you cancel", before adding, "Do that again and I'll cut your neck."

Read more from Buzzfeed News

Mexico City could become first in the world to limit Uber cars

Mexico City could become the first city in the world to limit the number of Uber cars, draft regulation shows, in the latest potential hurdle for the ride-hailing service that has spurred a regulatory backlash around the globe. The San Francisco-based company would also have to use vehicles costing a minimum of 250,000 pesos ($15,883) that are no more than seven years old, according to the draft plan drawn up by the Mexico City government seen by Reuters on Friday.

Read more from Business Insider

Uber accident victim offered $39 refund after minicab crashes and bursts into flames

An executive has hit out at Uber for offering a �35 ($39) refund after he was "almost killed" when his minicab crashed on the M4 motorway and burst into flames. Florian Pedemanaud says he was left "traumatised" by the terrifying accident, which happened as he travelled to Heathrow Airport. He has no recollection of the crash, but mobile phone footage shows the wreckage in flames shortly after he got out.

Read more from the London Evening Standard

Four Things About Uber You Wish You Never Knew
Four things about Uber you wish you never knew
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