Do you think any of the cab companies anywhere put any thought into why there even IS something like Uber/Lyft or why this business model has taken off like a rocket? It's because we, the public, know when we're being abused and/or ignored as person and a citizen. Uber/Lyft is the best thing that's happened to this particular city in a very long time. Just try to get a cab to run you to work when the car won't start. Fat chance. A cab would never arrive. Uber/Lyft, johnny on the spot.
This isn't about safety or fairness. It's literally about taxi companies, their union, and the taxi cab authority, all of which worked hand in hand to hold visitors, and residents in particular, hostage to their crappy service and outrageous rates, losing that choke hold on them. Unless you were tooling around the strip or downtown from the airport, you could grow old waiting for a cab. The cabs are grungy and gross and stink, and you can sit in traffic for forever because the drivers can't stray from the allowed routes due to their tendency to screw passengers with long hauls.
The cab companies wouldn't move forward with technology so someone came in and filled that void. They've even been given a lesson on how to do it and still won't change. Instead of changing they're falling back on their little strong arm tool kit and pulling political strings to extort or bully their competition out. It's about time they figure out that times have changed, the public is tired of being abused and the residents are tired of being ignored.
As for their whining about requirements - ride share drivers already have to pass backgrounds, have to obtain individual business licenses (taxi drivers don't), have to carry large insurance policies on their own cars even though Uber carries million dollar policies on every vehicle listed with them when in service, (taxi drivers don't have to insure their cab BTW, only the company does), Individual drivers are ranked by customers for a number of things and if their ranking gets too back, they're out of business. (ever had a complaint on a taxi driver fall on anything other than deaf ears?) Uber/Lyft drivers have to have an annual vehicle inspection and bi-annual insurance verification and Lyft does a psych eval. Hmm....do any taxi drivers have to pass a psych eval?
Taxi cab companies need to act like adults instead of petulant children who's tantrums always got them their way They need to grow up, step up, move forward, or just admit they can't and get out of the way. Simple as that. And, any politician who votes for anything that impacts ride share companies will have my vote against them, and I will be spreading the word about how they are anti-small business, anti-entrepreneurial, anti-competition, anti-locals, anti, anti, anti, but pro - strong arm, good ol' boy system.
william - 7 years ago
I would like to add to amendment 226, as long as safety in transportation is the reason behind the bill (LOL). Add, "Any legislator arrested for drunk driving , while in office, is automatically terminated." That makes roads safe and set a good example. Unlike, Richard Carrillo, D-Las Vegas, who was arrested for dui, and weapon possession while under the influence. He made a mockery of the legal system by having it overturned. Sound very privileged. Let's show this guy the door next election cycle. District 18, this dudes an embarrassment and works for the highest bidder, instead of the people. I'll be supporting whoever runs against him with the highest contribution possible by law.
John Smith - 7 years ago
Can you post the way each assembly person votes so we an at least know who to vote out of office in the next election
Can the liberals at least see why there losing so much ground across the country. The problem is by the time election rolls around the damage has already been done. Any person who cant see people want less govt. pandering to lobbyists and special interest groups doesn't have the IQ to be voting on laws.
I ask you how many senators congrespeople state senate and govs are going to have to lose to a candidates like Donald Trump before they get it.Take the state back i don't care if there liberal or conservative if they vote stupid get them out It's so simple just vote Make NV. strong
Now do nevadans realize how manynot so sharp people they have put in office to run the state
Edward Achenbach - 7 years ago
I think in the interest of fairness, then yes, "rideshare" drivers and companies must meet the requirements of all cab ownership and drivers must meet in order to operate in any city. It is also in the best interests of the community, the passengers, and drivers to have business licenses as well. In this way, all people will benefit.
Let's face it, the "rideshare" title is misleading. That is how they got started in the first place by lying as to who and what they are. A rideshare is when two people take one car from point A to point B for mutual benefit and no monetary gain. For example, two guys riding in one car back-and-forth to work.
A taxi service however, is somebody providing a service of taking a passenger from point A to point B for monetary gain. Which is exactly what Uber and Lift is doing.
Obviously, these two companies have read the fine the term rideshare to their benefit. And anybody that cannot sy obviously, these two companies have read the fine the term rideshare to their benefit.
So since they are in fact a taxi service and not a rideshare, then they should, in the interest of the community and fairness, must go by the rules that the taxi companies must abide by.
John Kim - 7 years ago
Wow, greedy politicians will do ANYTHING for a handout, even screw the entire public?? Taxi monopolies were HORRIBLE, just say NO!
Dale C - 7 years ago
There are ways to fix this controversy.
1. Ride Share drivers should have to comply with state regulations. Permit, Background Checks, Drug Screens, State DL Report, DOT Physicals(part of permit)
2. State Business Lisence for Rideshares. (Required as of now)
3. Insurance coverage for passengers in Rideshares to be on par with Taxi passenger coverage.
4. Regulate the number of Ride Share drivers allowed on the road just as Taxi Companies are.
(Uber and Lyft were allowed to purchase an UNLIMITED number of certificates. There are 40,000+ that can drive whenever they feel. There's only 3500 taxis allowed on the road to service the city. This can be addressed by limiting the number of Rideshare Drivers logging into their respective apps.
5. Taxi rides to and from the airport should be a set flat rate which could be easily negotiated. (This would put a halt to the LONGHAULING by the unscrupulous Taxi drivers)
6. Stop the Rideshares from undercutting rates in the cities they enter. Keep the rates within a certain percentage of the transportation companies in place. This will mean more money for Rideshare drivers as well. Also put an end to surge pricing.
Just my thoughts on how to coexist in a city that's like no other in the country.
DeanJ - 7 years ago
This is not about safety or fairness or any other crap they are spewing. This is the taxi companies flexing their political muscle to get rid of competition.
The truth is ride sharing is good for the consumers and most report good experiences. Further, the ride sharing app allows for rating both the drivers and the passengers. It keeps people on their best behavior. There is no cash to rob.
And in Vegas, just try to call a cab if you are in the distant residential areas. You'll wait forever. Uber/Lyft will be there in minutes.
Tammy - 7 years ago
I drive for Lyft/Uber they told me I had to have a business license so I got one I'm the only one I know who has one period I have full coverage on my car but I think that should be enough
Ted.S - 7 years ago
As a Lyft/Uber Driver. I can see the background checks being done, I can see the business licence being required, But I can't see the 1.5 mil insurance coverage we would have to have to continue to drive.
If we have to have it then the Cab Companies and their drivers should be required to have the same type of Insurance coverage also. To keep it fair and competitive
If Lyft/Uber drivers get into an accident and can't drive their vehicle then they are out of work, But if a cab driver get's into an accident he just gets assigned another vehicle to drive. So who is taking more of a risk being a driver.
What I fore see happening is the Cab authority being charged for influencing the politicians and a class action Law suite being filed for violation of the Anti Monopoly laws. The Taxi Cab Authority is trying to stop any competition buy having impossible regulations imposed on Lyft/Uber forcing them to withdraw from the state. They are using the State legislator to keep away any competition instead of coming up with ways to beat the competition in the transportation market. and better serve their customers
Karl - 7 years ago
I would like to start a business myself. But I can't afford the business license and insurance. If we are going to allow ride sharing drivers to run their business without a license and insurance, how about letting everyone have the same privilege. By driving me out of my business, you are destroying my livelihood and turning back the clock in Nevada.
Or do ride sharing drivers have special privileges? I do realize Uber and Lyft have lots of money to donate. But I'm sure that has nothing to do with it.
Norberto Hernandez - 7 years ago
Since Uber is a transportation company now they have to abide by the transportation company laws in Las Vegas all the city is asking for is to the Uber and Lyft drivers do a proper background check physical and to get business license for independent contractors no cab driver in Las Vegas owns rent or lease a cab we all work for companies which pays our wages and our medical insurances that's why the taxi rates are kind of high as a cab driver all I'm asking for is that Uber and left do the same safety regulations we have to take and do to drive a cab
Ted.S - 7 years ago
I live and work here in Las Vegas, and drive for Lyft/Uber and every Hotel here is loaded with Taxi's who have priority at the hotels they have there own waiting line which is packed you will see 5 taxi's pull out with passengers to 1 uber/lyft driver. If the Taxi companies are only killing themselves because of the high rite they charge. The politicians should stay out of this. Did they get envolved when McDonald's and Burger king competed for customers, All this shows is that the taxi cab authority can buy a politician with a few donations The jobless rate is high in Nevada and if they pass this bill and it's amendments it will hurt Nevada and put more people out of work. We teach our children in schools that the politicians we elect help the people. and if they pass this bill so the Taxi cab authority can drive out it's competition then they are calling every parent and the Nevada board of education liars. and they aren't here to help the people that elected them but to only help the companies that pay for it. The people in Nevada and all the tourist that visit Nevada should have a choice what service they can use, if that choice is taken away then we are not a FREE NATION, where we have the right to choose But we are under a DICTATORSHIP and our right to choose is taken away or governed by the people we elected who's motivation is the all mighty dollar and not the people they promised to represent
Dave - 7 years ago
Assemblyman Richard Carrillo is on his way out of a job promoting this kind of legislation. We might want to investigate his ties to the transportation industry before he is voted out of office though. It's these corrupt politicians that continue to screw up our awesome state, ...Rooftop Solar, Air BnB, Rooftop Rainwater collection, it goes on and on.
Cindi Cooper - 7 years ago
For some of us who have been out of work for some time this is our only income. What are they trying to do make us homeless?
Joseph Roberts - 7 years ago
Remove rideshare from Nevada and we will send all of Vegas' convention business to our competing city of Orlando, FL where they strive to meet the needs of the public instead of the mob... uh.. I mean the taxi cab authority.
Zahari Lyubenov - 7 years ago
The good economy is the one with good competitive on the market. We are forced to use mega overpaid service as the cab companies . I took a cab from the airport to the Orleans hotel for 35$ ?!?! Are you serious .
Do you think any of the cab companies anywhere put any thought into why there even IS something like Uber/Lyft or why this business model has taken off like a rocket? It's because we, the public, know when we're being abused and/or ignored as person and a citizen. Uber/Lyft is the best thing that's happened to this particular city in a very long time. Just try to get a cab to run you to work when the car won't start. Fat chance. A cab would never arrive. Uber/Lyft, johnny on the spot.
This isn't about safety or fairness. It's literally about taxi companies, their union, and the taxi cab authority, all of which worked hand in hand to hold visitors, and residents in particular, hostage to their crappy service and outrageous rates, losing that choke hold on them. Unless you were tooling around the strip or downtown from the airport, you could grow old waiting for a cab. The cabs are grungy and gross and stink, and you can sit in traffic for forever because the drivers can't stray from the allowed routes due to their tendency to screw passengers with long hauls.
The cab companies wouldn't move forward with technology so someone came in and filled that void. They've even been given a lesson on how to do it and still won't change. Instead of changing they're falling back on their little strong arm tool kit and pulling political strings to extort or bully their competition out. It's about time they figure out that times have changed, the public is tired of being abused and the residents are tired of being ignored.
As for their whining about requirements - ride share drivers already have to pass backgrounds, have to obtain individual business licenses (taxi drivers don't), have to carry large insurance policies on their own cars even though Uber carries million dollar policies on every vehicle listed with them when in service, (taxi drivers don't have to insure their cab BTW, only the company does), Individual drivers are ranked by customers for a number of things and if their ranking gets too back, they're out of business. (ever had a complaint on a taxi driver fall on anything other than deaf ears?) Uber/Lyft drivers have to have an annual vehicle inspection and bi-annual insurance verification and Lyft does a psych eval. Hmm....do any taxi drivers have to pass a psych eval?
Taxi cab companies need to act like adults instead of petulant children who's tantrums always got them their way They need to grow up, step up, move forward, or just admit they can't and get out of the way. Simple as that. And, any politician who votes for anything that impacts ride share companies will have my vote against them, and I will be spreading the word about how they are anti-small business, anti-entrepreneurial, anti-competition, anti-locals, anti, anti, anti, but pro - strong arm, good ol' boy system.
I would like to add to amendment 226, as long as safety in transportation is the reason behind the bill (LOL). Add, "Any legislator arrested for drunk driving , while in office, is automatically terminated." That makes roads safe and set a good example. Unlike, Richard Carrillo, D-Las Vegas, who was arrested for dui, and weapon possession while under the influence. He made a mockery of the legal system by having it overturned. Sound very privileged. Let's show this guy the door next election cycle. District 18, this dudes an embarrassment and works for the highest bidder, instead of the people. I'll be supporting whoever runs against him with the highest contribution possible by law.
Can you post the way each assembly person votes so we an at least know who to vote out of office in the next election
Can the liberals at least see why there losing so much ground across the country. The problem is by the time election rolls around the damage has already been done. Any person who cant see people want less govt. pandering to lobbyists and special interest groups doesn't have the IQ to be voting on laws.
I ask you how many senators congrespeople state senate and govs are going to have to lose to a candidates like Donald Trump before they get it.Take the state back i don't care if there liberal or conservative if they vote stupid get them out It's so simple just vote Make NV. strong
Now do nevadans realize how manynot so sharp people they have put in office to run the state
I think in the interest of fairness, then yes, "rideshare" drivers and companies must meet the requirements of all cab ownership and drivers must meet in order to operate in any city. It is also in the best interests of the community, the passengers, and drivers to have business licenses as well. In this way, all people will benefit.
Let's face it, the "rideshare" title is misleading. That is how they got started in the first place by lying as to who and what they are. A rideshare is when two people take one car from point A to point B for mutual benefit and no monetary gain. For example, two guys riding in one car back-and-forth to work.
A taxi service however, is somebody providing a service of taking a passenger from point A to point B for monetary gain. Which is exactly what Uber and Lift is doing.
Obviously, these two companies have read the fine the term rideshare to their benefit. And anybody that cannot sy obviously, these two companies have read the fine the term rideshare to their benefit.
So since they are in fact a taxi service and not a rideshare, then they should, in the interest of the community and fairness, must go by the rules that the taxi companies must abide by.
Wow, greedy politicians will do ANYTHING for a handout, even screw the entire public?? Taxi monopolies were HORRIBLE, just say NO!
There are ways to fix this controversy.
1. Ride Share drivers should have to comply with state regulations. Permit, Background Checks, Drug Screens, State DL Report, DOT Physicals(part of permit)
2. State Business Lisence for Rideshares. (Required as of now)
3. Insurance coverage for passengers in Rideshares to be on par with Taxi passenger coverage.
4. Regulate the number of Ride Share drivers allowed on the road just as Taxi Companies are.
(Uber and Lyft were allowed to purchase an UNLIMITED number of certificates. There are 40,000+ that can drive whenever they feel. There's only 3500 taxis allowed on the road to service the city. This can be addressed by limiting the number of Rideshare Drivers logging into their respective apps.
5. Taxi rides to and from the airport should be a set flat rate which could be easily negotiated. (This would put a halt to the LONGHAULING by the unscrupulous Taxi drivers)
6. Stop the Rideshares from undercutting rates in the cities they enter. Keep the rates within a certain percentage of the transportation companies in place. This will mean more money for Rideshare drivers as well. Also put an end to surge pricing.
Just my thoughts on how to coexist in a city that's like no other in the country.
This is not about safety or fairness or any other crap they are spewing. This is the taxi companies flexing their political muscle to get rid of competition.
The truth is ride sharing is good for the consumers and most report good experiences. Further, the ride sharing app allows for rating both the drivers and the passengers. It keeps people on their best behavior. There is no cash to rob.
And in Vegas, just try to call a cab if you are in the distant residential areas. You'll wait forever. Uber/Lyft will be there in minutes.
I drive for Lyft/Uber they told me I had to have a business license so I got one I'm the only one I know who has one period I have full coverage on my car but I think that should be enough
As a Lyft/Uber Driver. I can see the background checks being done, I can see the business licence being required, But I can't see the 1.5 mil insurance coverage we would have to have to continue to drive.
If we have to have it then the Cab Companies and their drivers should be required to have the same type of Insurance coverage also. To keep it fair and competitive
If Lyft/Uber drivers get into an accident and can't drive their vehicle then they are out of work, But if a cab driver get's into an accident he just gets assigned another vehicle to drive. So who is taking more of a risk being a driver.
What I fore see happening is the Cab authority being charged for influencing the politicians and a class action Law suite being filed for violation of the Anti Monopoly laws. The Taxi Cab Authority is trying to stop any competition buy having impossible regulations imposed on Lyft/Uber forcing them to withdraw from the state. They are using the State legislator to keep away any competition instead of coming up with ways to beat the competition in the transportation market. and better serve their customers
I would like to start a business myself. But I can't afford the business license and insurance. If we are going to allow ride sharing drivers to run their business without a license and insurance, how about letting everyone have the same privilege. By driving me out of my business, you are destroying my livelihood and turning back the clock in Nevada.
Or do ride sharing drivers have special privileges? I do realize Uber and Lyft have lots of money to donate. But I'm sure that has nothing to do with it.
Since Uber is a transportation company now they have to abide by the transportation company laws in Las Vegas all the city is asking for is to the Uber and Lyft drivers do a proper background check physical and to get business license for independent contractors no cab driver in Las Vegas owns rent or lease a cab we all work for companies which pays our wages and our medical insurances that's why the taxi rates are kind of high as a cab driver all I'm asking for is that Uber and left do the same safety regulations we have to take and do to drive a cab
I live and work here in Las Vegas, and drive for Lyft/Uber and every Hotel here is loaded with Taxi's who have priority at the hotels they have there own waiting line which is packed you will see 5 taxi's pull out with passengers to 1 uber/lyft driver. If the Taxi companies are only killing themselves because of the high rite they charge. The politicians should stay out of this. Did they get envolved when McDonald's and Burger king competed for customers, All this shows is that the taxi cab authority can buy a politician with a few donations The jobless rate is high in Nevada and if they pass this bill and it's amendments it will hurt Nevada and put more people out of work. We teach our children in schools that the politicians we elect help the people. and if they pass this bill so the Taxi cab authority can drive out it's competition then they are calling every parent and the Nevada board of education liars. and they aren't here to help the people that elected them but to only help the companies that pay for it. The people in Nevada and all the tourist that visit Nevada should have a choice what service they can use, if that choice is taken away then we are not a FREE NATION, where we have the right to choose But we are under a DICTATORSHIP and our right to choose is taken away or governed by the people we elected who's motivation is the all mighty dollar and not the people they promised to represent
Assemblyman Richard Carrillo is on his way out of a job promoting this kind of legislation. We might want to investigate his ties to the transportation industry before he is voted out of office though. It's these corrupt politicians that continue to screw up our awesome state, ...Rooftop Solar, Air BnB, Rooftop Rainwater collection, it goes on and on.
For some of us who have been out of work for some time this is our only income. What are they trying to do make us homeless?
Remove rideshare from Nevada and we will send all of Vegas' convention business to our competing city of Orlando, FL where they strive to meet the needs of the public instead of the mob... uh.. I mean the taxi cab authority.
The good economy is the one with good competitive on the market. We are forced to use mega overpaid service as the cab companies . I took a cab from the airport to the Orleans hotel for 35$ ?!?! Are you serious .
Since the majority of people are against this,why don't we just vote out whoever votes for it?