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Seattle Council wants to study rideshare data before imposing fee changes

The City of Seattle moved a step closer to imposing new regulations on rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft.
The Seattle City Council is asking rideshare companies to voluntarily provide data.

A unanimous city council vote Monday moved the city of Seattle closer to imposing new regulations on rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. Part of the plan includes looking at minimum rates which could increase fares for riders.

The council is asking the rideshare companies to voluntarily provide data about things like how far drivers travel, how long they’re working and how much they will make. The city plans to compare that information with data from taxi companies and try to make sure working conditions are good for all those who make a living behind the wheel.

“What we are trying to do through this resolution is to look at data and develop a win-win,” Council President Bruce Harrell explained. The resolution gives rideshare companies until May 31 to provide the city with the information and threatens legislative action if they don’t voluntarily comply.

Drivers arrived hours before the hearing to try and get a chance to speak. The majority of those who spoke said they didn’t want the council to get involved, but there were several in the crowd who said new regulations are needed.

The resolution says the council will consider establishing a minimum base fare rate. The amount of $2.40 is mentioned but council leaders say the final number will be determined by the data.

The resolution also mentions looking at changes to the taxi industry to make it easier for those drivers to compete. Flexibility in insurance standards, transitioning to a regional license and options allowing for-hire cars to switch to metered taxis are some of the possible proposals.

The resolution says the city council will introduce preliminary recommendations by the end of June and final recommendations in the fall.

Uber reacted to the council’s decision with this statement:

“The Council ignored the testimony of dozens of drivers and riders and more than 20,000 people who signed a petition to keep rideshare affordable. Today’s vote was another step toward nearly doubling the per mile rate for rideshare and making Seattle an even more expensive place to live, all apparently at the request of the Teamsters and to protect market share for taxi.

As we’ve shared before, there are more than 15,000 people in Seattle who use Uber to make money and more than 800,000 people who use the service for safe, convenient and affordable transportation. Both those numbers continue to grow. We look forward to working with the City in the coming months to help ensure the City Council has the information needed to make fact-based policies that help solve real problems and keep Seattle moving forward.”

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