It's Time to Welcome Uber to Jacksonville
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/2831350691_S667BJj-M.jpg)
Our taxi system is inefficient, unreliable and sometimes unpleasant. A new competitor called Uber is poised to enter the Jacksonville market with the aim of improving quality, efficiency and provide consumers with better choices. The only problem? The City of Jacksonville doesn’t allow for their existence.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-oct-its-time-to-welcome-uber-to-jacksonville
I remember at one council meeting it was brought up that you had to have X amount (I think 5) taxis ready to go before even being in compliance with city code. It is one of many arbitrary and maddening issues in there. I think it would be better to simply repeal most of the code concerning taxi/limo services.
Used this in Chicago. It's a nice tool and could be very helpful in Jax.
I don't see why a person could start with one car, and one driver, and be able to sell their services, (aside from the minimum of 5 taxies. Competition always help lower prices, and make services better. I have yet to see a monopoly (or close to it) help.
We experienced very quick and professional, and reasonable service in Edinburgh, Scotland, a few years back. What a difference it was.
I use Uber, Sidecar, Flywheel, or Lyft at least 3x a week. I used UberX yesterday to transport some new large luggage that I bought. I believe all of these were invented in SF, naturally; I know a couple of folks that work at Uber. Lyft is like UberX, but drivers are mandated to attach a pink mustache to the front or windshield of their car so that they are visible as Lyft drivers. Sidecar is totally discreet and Flywheel has the support of taxi drivers (usually impossible to call a taxi on Uber, SF is the only city I've been able to so far and it's a difficult).
I used Uber in Atlanta when I lived there, but the only options were for Uber black cars at the time, though I recently used UberX there in September now that it's available and these drivers were such novices. Had no idea how to get around the city, not to mention there were basically 2-3 drivers in total on a Saturday night such that my crew and I ended up with the same black girl and her Dodge Charger like 3 times. Needless to say it was an interesting night and we loved her for it - she charged a lot less in Atl than in SF, despite the distances to go anywhere and she was a chatty cathy in a good way.
But Uber presents 4 options in typically large cities:
Taxi - where you can call a taxi to your location (often not available in cities where there are disputes about all of this)
UberX - random drivers in their personal cars; they must apply and pass background
Black Car - town cars, this is very popular option in bigger cities where 10-15% of the cars on the road are town cars (SF, NYC, DC); I used once to impress a date in Atlanta before anyone there had even heard of Uber - knew my driver's name and number and pretended to know him personally until I decided the joke was over, LoL
SUV - limo SUV's. Was the only option available for me and my crew once after a concert, so I bit the bullet and ate the $223 fare to transport us back a few miles to our friend's apartment.
There's your rundown. Keep in mind that while you rate your drivers after all is said and done (1-5 stars), they rate you as a passenger. Fuck up too much and you're rating will dip too low for anyone to want to pick you up. If you are drunk with friends or a hookup at 3 in the morning on Fri/Sat, I suggest you still take a cab! Cab drivers are much more forgiving and look the other way if you want to break out the blow or get a blowjob in the backseat. JK JK JK
I use Uber in LA all the time. Works well.
Checker cab at the podium right now in TEU.
Nobody has a clue what's going on.
Councilman Love is discussing Insurance.
Joost is ready to move forward on the legislation.
Anderson is up now.
Gulliford up and asking Uber to come up to the committee.
Please let this happen...I am such a fan of Uber and UberX...it is a great way to get from point A to point B reliably as well as a fantastic on-demand option when you have been out and had something to drink and do not want to ride home. Here in JAX we have all tried calling out local cab companies and they are either very late, very unreliable, or simply scary to get in. Leap into the 21st century City Council. This can only be a good thing.
I love using Uber in cities it's available, but I'm sure using Uber to call taxis will be a regulatory nightmare here, and I don't see how private cars could be financially viable given the types of trips that people in this city would be using them for.
Here is a T.U. article on the issue of Uber and legislation. The legislation is supposed to go to city council next week. Looks like there is some opposition brewing from those in the car hire business.
Quote
Legislation to let online car service Uber operate in Jacksonville got its first green light Monday after weeks spent idling in City Council committees.
A council committee approved a bill that would clear away obstacles to local use of "digital dispatch services" — companies that connect passengers to limousines or other prearranged car services through cellphones apps, texting or email.
The full council will vote next week on the bill (2013-554) that excited some backers and worried old-line businesses who feared they could be cut off from needed customers.
"This opens the floodgates for these types of companies," Grady Braddock Jr., whose family has spent 30 years in the taxi business, told the council Transportation, Energy and Utilities Committee.
Online companies are "devastating" traditional transportation counterparts, Braddock said.
Uber lobbied for the bill and had support in corners ranging from Visit Jacksonville to the University of Florida's student body president, who wrote to Mayor Alvin Brown that the company could make students safer during this month's Florida-Georgia football game.
"The current taxi system is easily overwhelmed which often leaves students wandering through downtown Jacksonville searching for a way home from EverBank Field," Christina Bonarrigo wrote to Brown last month. "If the City Council is able to pass Ordinance 2013-554 promptly, Uber's services could be available for public use in time for this year's game.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-10-14/story/jacksonville-city-council-vote-could-open-door-uber-devastate-car-hire#ixzz2hkG3ykdg
Click link for full story.
There is a petition available if you support expanded transportation options and want Uber in Jax:
http://www.change.org/petitions/bring-uber-to-jacksonville-support-bill-554 (http://www.change.org/petitions/bring-uber-to-jacksonville-support-bill-554)
The only problem I see with the competition model mentioned earlier is the price of fuel. I believe Uber would be an awesome service especially since this city has a negative attitude towards making public transportation user friendly.
Reminds me of this article.
http://www.freeenterprise.com/free-enterprise-tour/golf-cart-confessions-parties-and-profits-scottsdale
^I believe there is legislation pending right now before city council to have golf carts street legal in a golfing community. Are the Ric-shaws still around?
Pretty solid reviews in other markets.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uber-boston-2 (http://www.yelp.com/biz/uber-boston-2)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uber-washington (http://www.yelp.com/biz/uber-washington)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uber-san-francisco (http://www.yelp.com/biz/uber-san-francisco)
Quote from: Noone on October 15, 2013, 06:10:20 AM
^I believe there is legislation pending right now before city council to have golf carts street legal in a golfing community. Are the Ric-shaws still around?
The legislation is 2013-686 for golf carts in a zone. Public Hearing at tomorrow's city council meeting on 686. Watch the discussion and the legislative maneuvering that will have to take place prior to a vote on the Über legislation.
City council is listening to the Public Hearing on Uber right now. 2013-554
I hope it goes through. I would sign up as an uberx driver. Im self employed and work from home, so it could help me out possibly. I like that you can just do it when you want. I also like that the passengers are rated as well as drivers. I was going to sign up for Lyft, but the pink moustache was a deal breaker. I refuse to put that on my car. lol.
http://blog.uber.com/jaxleadsflorida
Looks like it's been aprroved! So excited for this.
Quote from: Rynjny on October 23, 2013, 09:28:56 AM
http://blog.uber.com/jaxleadsflorida
Looks like it's been aprroved! So excited for this.
Richard Clark received a campaign contribution from Yellow Cab... explaining his vote against the measure. ;)
There was a protest downtown the day before yesterday. All the local cab companies drove in a circle in front of city hall. They have dug in against Uber. From my view, Uber is only a logical step in the days of technology and will not stop folks from taking regular cabs when the need is there.
^ especially since Uber isn't exactly cheap
True, it's not as cheap as a cab and will exclude people and half the time Ive ever called a cab, I have a to wait 45 minutes to an hour, or they just never come. Also, not to mention half the "cab companies" are all owned by the same people. I think Uber is a great thing for Jacksonville.
Quote from: The Compound on October 23, 2013, 10:36:51 PM
True, it's not as cheap as a cab and will exclude people and half the time Ive ever called a cab, I have a to wait 45 minutes to an hour, or they just never come. Also, not to mention half the "cab companies" are all owned by the same people. I think Uber is a great thing for Jacksonville.
Yup, last time I've called a cab company and schedule a pick up time and they never came. Taxi service in this city are just unreliable.
And thats truly sad for a city as big as ours with horrible public transportation. Uber can solve several issues, hopefully.
I had to use a cab once and exactly once in this city, it was an hour late and resulted in a story you'd think I was making up if I told it, I basically got taken hostage. I have never and would never consider using one since, at least not here.
I'm surprised to see no new threads or discussions, but Uber technically began operating here in town this past weekend. Trips during FL/GA weekend were completely free, but there were never any cars available when I launched the app. Since they know I at least tried, on Monday Uber sent me a $10 credit to my account to use for my next trip.
Yesterday afternoon I received an email from Uber, and for the for the indefinite future, all rides on Uber are going to be free (Jax sure does get a lot of free transport options). I fired up the app this morning, and there are 2 black cars operating out of the downtown area; one parking near the Prudential building, and one parking near the courthouse. A few times that I've checked this morning, they've been serving fares due to not being available. I caught one car returning from the Northside, and just now there is one returning from across the Buckman Bridge. I'm not sure if this is indicative of people taking advantage of a free ride, or if these long-distance trips are indicative of what we all assume is what the average Jax resident will require.
My understanding is that Uber is operating within the existing regulations until the changes go into effect.
Uber hoped and asked that the mayor would go ahead and sign the new ordinance into law before FL/GA but he would not.
Unless the mayor vetoes the new ordinance, it will become law after the next City council meeting which is next tuesday.
I am very excited as a business owner and a private citizen for Uber to get in this market.
^I am too. And the mayor won't veto it, but he tries to avoid signing anything he possibly can. Too busy taking us to the next laser with level focus I guess.
Quote from: Tacachale on November 06, 2013, 04:07:07 PMToo busy taking us to the next laser with level focus I guess.
I heard he's busy looking for his passport.
Interesting article on how Uber has grown and the challenges they have faced in other cities
http://nextcity.org/forefront/view/the-black-car-company-that-people-love-to-hate
^You beat me to it. I was just about to post that.
From Slate:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/12/24/uber_regulation_of_course_it_should_be_regulated_and_it_is.html?wpisrc=burger_bar (http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/12/24/uber_regulation_of_course_it_should_be_regulated_and_it_is.html?wpisrc=burger_bar)
Quote
Of Course Uber Should Be Regulated
By Matthew Yglesias
In response to this Aaron Weiner piece about "ubertarians" (i.e., me) let me say that while Uber CEO Travis Kalanick may be a big Ayn Rand fan, I think it's pretty obvious that Uber does in fact need to be regulated. And regulated pretty heavily.
After all, here's the business: You've got people cruising around cities in medium-sized metal boxes capable of traveling at high speeds and powered by burning gasoline. Left unregulated, these vehicles would poison the air and crush huge numbers of innocent pedestrians. Which is why it's good that the federal government regulates what kind of automobiles are considered safe to drive and regulates what kind of vehicle emissions are acceptable, and it's why state and local governments regulate both who is allowed to drive cars (with driver's licenses), under what circumstances (with drunk driving laws), and of course what you're allowed to do with a vehicle (with road rules). These are important things for the government to do. And in fact if I was dictator of America, most of these rules would be stricter. Penalties for drunk driving and other moving violations should be much stricter, fewer teenagers and vision-impaired old people would be licensed to drive, gasoline taxes would be higher, etc.
The regulatory issue around Uber is whether the rules governing rides-for-hire need to be drastically different than the rules governing driving-yourself-around.
That's a question that's been given new salience by the yuppie-friendly business model of Uber. But it's something that major cities have wrestled with for years. In New York, "gypsie cabs" have long prowled the streets of the outer boroughs while "dollar vans" have offered bus-like service for routes that the Metropolitan Transit Authority doesn't deem worthy of service. In all these cases, public safety rationales are raised as reasons to make it illegal to drive a van or a car in exchange for money. And my answer is always the same: Of course there are significant public safety concerns about people driving vans. But the concerns are essentially the same whether it's a delivery van or a dollar van. You need rules about what's an acceptable vehicle, who's an acceptable driver, and what's an acceptable way to pilot the vehicle.
But you don't need rules that specifically discriminate against rides for hire. The right way to think about this panoply of rules is that it's all part of a regulatory structure designed to make single passenger automobile traffic and one-car-per-adult the normative American lifestyles. Anything you want to do around driving yourself is presumptively legal, and anything you want to do around hiring someone else to drive you is presumptively illegal. That's a worldview that's bad for the environment, bad for cities, bad for the poor, bad for many classes of physically impaired people, and all-in-all bad for America. But by all means, regulate cars-for-hire. Just regulate them the same way you regulate the other cars.
Matthew Yglesias is Slate's business and economics correspondent. He is the author of The Rent Is Too Damn High
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/12/24/uber_regulation_of_course_it_should_be_regulated_and_it_is.html?wpisrc=burger_bar (http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/12/24/uber_regulation_of_course_it_should_be_regulated_and_it_is.html?wpisrc=burger_bar)
From Reuters:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/13/idUS327484426620140113 (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/13/idUS327484426620140113)
Quote
Angry Protesters Attack Uber Car in France
Mon Jan 13, 2014 12:31pm EST
For two Uber customers in Paris, their ride was not at all what they expected.
Major taxi unions in the French capital staged protests Monday against startup Uber and other independent car services for "unfair competition." The local taxi drivers feel that their jobs are threatened by new services such as Uber, French newspaper Le Monde reports.
But the protests turned violent when taxi drivers apparently attacked the Uber van that was transporting Kat Borlongan, co-founder of consulting firm Five by Five, and Eventbrite CTO Renaud Visage.
Attackers tried to get in the car but our brave @uber driver maneuvered us to safety, changed the tire on the freeway and got us home.
— Kat Borlongan (@KatBorlongan) January 13, 2014
"They also tried to open the doors, but fortunately our driver had locked them," Visage told The Verge. While their van didn't have any visible Uber branding on it, the protesters were attacking vehicles from all types of independent operators.
Uber confirmed the incident in a statement on its website. "That taxis chose to use violence today is unacceptable, that they chose to strike is their business," the company said. "However, Parisians also have a choice when it comes to moving around in their city, and today's incident certainly discourages Parisians from choosing a taxi for their next ride."
The attack comes just days after a separate incident involving union workers at a soon-to-be shuttered Goodyear plant in the French town of Amiens, who held two executives hostage as they sought to negotiate bonus and severance packages.
Uber has faced legal and political pushback as the company expands, aiming to disrupt traditional transportation services. Uber is in numerous cities across 26 countries globally. It has been available in Paris since 2011.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/13/idUS327484426620140113 (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/13/idUS327484426620140113)
Flywheel is a an app that does the same thing as Uber Taxi (your city has to have Uber Taxi, most smaller cities like Jax just have Uber X and Uber Black), and it has the support of the taxi unions. Unfortunately, thus far it's only in SF, LA, and Seattle.
Those I know, including myself, who take cabs frequently use Flywheel instead of Uber. The cab drivers often thank me in person because Flywheel skims less off the top for the driver and they receive a higher tip (which I can set...anywhere from 0% to 25%+).
That said, I was just in Paris and it's a super easy city to hail. The cabs are often brand new Mercedes, so for me I actually preferred to hail a cab there than to use an app or Uber X.
Just used Uber for the first time...downloaded the app in Bogotá, Colombia. Lifesaver!!! In a city where almost no cabs are metered, nobody speaks Enlgish, and wait times for a regular cab can take an hour (worst traffic I've ever seen, on par with Beijing), this app had us in a cab, paid for, with GPS tracking within 6 minutes of buzzing them.
Clean, efficient, worthwhile.
If anyone needs a referral code, PM me your email or cell so I can send one your way...in full disclosure, I get $40,000 Colombian pesos if you download the app w/ my code and ride! ;D
I used Uber in Jacksonville coming off of a bus ride back from Atl. It was awesome. Easy. And Cheap.
Isn't consumer choice a wonderful thing? ;-)
First time using Uber in the states. Great experience. $10 USD from downtown to San Marco. Picked up in under 3 minutes.
So, who's been using Uber on the regular or irregular?
What are your thoughts thus far?
I've used Uber a few times. No complaints so far. Far better service than I ever had using Gator City.
Quote from: TheCat on July 09, 2014, 01:55:43 PM
So, who's been using Uber on the regular or irregular?
What are your thoughts thus far?
2-3x per month.
I'm a fan.
The quality of driver isn't as high as international drivers (used Uber in Bogota, Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam)... the 5 Jax drivers I've had talk too much, cars dirtier than compared to other places, don't know good routes and blindly follow GPS.
Also, drivers I've had elsewhere try to coax out good reviews from riders by doing things like providing bottled water, snacks, letting you pick the radio station, and generally not talking your ear off. Haven't seen that in Jax.
But again, all things considered, I'm a fan.
EDIT: had far better service/drivers with uberX than the regular uber. Kind of the converse of most places.
Quote from: TheCat on July 09, 2014, 01:55:43 PM
So, who's been using Uber on the regular or irregular?
What are your thoughts thus far?
I could write a few pages on this. but to me it boils down to:
Lyft > über >>> taxis.
At the time of launch, Lyft was much more prepared. They had four times as many drivers as uber. After their launch, uber spent the following three months aggressively recruiting drivers (Signing bonuses bt $500 and $1000, guaranteed hourly pay) whereas Lyft was aggressively attracting passengers during this same time period.
From an actual product and service standpoint, I'd say they were equally good. However the Lyft app always worked better for me...uber's seemed to have issues from time to time.
All in all they both serve their purpose well but are too expensive to be practical for everyday use. It's primary purpose for most people would be when traveling in groups or when needing a DD. That said, their true objective is to promote decreasing car ownership, and to that end these ridesharing services could allow you to go carless or reduce the number of cars in your household. If you live in Riverside and only use your car two or three times a week, ridesharing might be a financially viable alternative to owning your own car.
Haven't used in Jax yet, but wife & I have used the hell out of it while in DC. No real complaints. Drivers usually here in 5 mins, pretty cheap overall for short distances, etc. Drivers have gotten kinda lost a couple times, but I'm chalking that up to DC's screwy non-grid road system.
I agree that uber is for short distances only.
I use them primarily for DT to Riverside, or Riverside to San Marco, or some version of that. Usually $10-12.
I once took it from Baymeadows to Riverside. As expensive as just buying a tank of gas.
Quote from: ben says on January 21, 2014, 01:18:48 PM
First time using Uber in the states. Great experience. $10 USD from downtown to San Marco. Picked up in under 3 minutes.
That seems expensive for that distance...
Quote from: ben says on July 09, 2014, 04:57:02 PM
The quality of driver isn't as high as international drivers (used Uber in Bogota, Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam)... the 5 Jax drivers I've had talk too much, cars dirtier than compared to other places, don't know good routes and blindly follow GPS.
Also, drivers I've had elsewhere try to coax out good reviews from riders by doing things like providing bottled water, snacks, letting you pick the radio station, and generally not talking your ear off. Haven't seen that in Jax.
EDIT: had far better service/drivers with uberX than the regular uber. Kind of the converse of most places.
Thought it was standard to provide smartphone chargers, bottle water, etc? As with taxis, I guess Uberx quality varies by city. I've used it in Atlanta and was not impressed at all; haven't used it in Jax. Uber hires a lot of ex-cab drivers and off duty limo drivers for Uberx/SUVx.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on July 09, 2014, 04:59:41 PM
Quote from: TheCat on July 09, 2014, 01:55:43 PM
So, who's been using Uber on the regular or irregular?
What are your thoughts thus far?
I could write a few pages on this. but to me it boils down to:
Lyft > über >>> taxis.
From an actual product and service standpoint, I'd say they were equally good. However the Lyft app always worked better for me...uber's seemed to have issues from time to time.
All in all they both serve their purpose well but are too expensive to be practical for everyday use. It's primary purpose for most people would be when traveling in groups or when needing a DD. That said, their true objective is to promote decreasing car ownership, and to that end these ridesharing services could allow you to go carless or reduce the number of cars in your household. If you live in Riverside and only use your car two or three times a week, ridesharing might be a financially viable alternative to owning your own car.
I disagree in terms of quality/reliability/app nowadays.
App:
Uber/Lyft (equal)
Flywheel
Sidecar (simply because it requires too many steps like choosing your driver and pre-choosing your destination)
Quality
Uber
Lyft/Sidecar
Flywheel
Reliability
Sidecar
Flywheel
Uber / Lyft
Speed (time for car to arrive)
Uber / Lyft / Flywheel
Sidecar
Speed (how fast is driver willing to drive and does he know city streets really well?)
Flywheel
Uber
Lyft / Sidecar
As far as everyday use, I personally use ridesharing almost every day. I combine ridesharing with monthly transit passes. I spend ~$500-600/mo on transit/ridesharing and it is cheaper, for where I live, than owning a car. Plus, most people who own a car still use transit and ridesharing anyways. I don't think the same level of use is practical in Jacksonville or most cities. Parking in my apartment building alone is $300/mo, $600/mo downtown in the office building, plus higher insurance and car payments add up on top of that. It's easy to be cheaper than owning while still using an Uber just about every day.
How many drivers are in Jax? What I have found in Atlanta is that there aren't that many drivers. I had the same woman 4x in a single night while bar hopping different areas. She also wasn't from the city and had no idea where she was going. How is it in Jax?
At the time of launch for Lyft I believe it was 50-60 drivers, whereas I heard uber launched with about a dozen or so. I used uberx three times, during its free trial period...all three drivers were also Lyft drivers. I used Lyft about 25 times during its trial period, many of them had never heard of uber.
Likewise, when both of them were operating (to be fair uber launched much later in Jax) I would routinely see far more cars available on Lyft. I wonder if that disparity has evened out...I hardly use them now that the free rides are over. (Because I met a great guy on Lyft who is essentially my personal driver on call. So instead of using the on-demand feature of these apps, I just call him and schedule a pick up time and he comes over. When he picks me up, we both sign onto the app at the same time and since he's the closest driver he gets the ride)
Although I am not opposed to Uber or Lyft theoretically, if this business model is allowed to operate, are we not on a slippery slope of decentralization? Could not an app be made that allows for users to score a cocktail in a private setting rather than be forced to patronize those establishments that are regulated by the liquor boards? What about mundane procedures like haircuts, meals, etc.
Regulations do strangle businesses, and they may need to be tweeked, but there are many services that anyone willing to download an app could offer that may not be in the public interest.
Quote from: twojacks on July 10, 2014, 07:53:54 AM
Although I am not opposed to Uber or Lyft theoretically, if this business model is allowed to operate, are we not on a slippery slope of decentralization? Could not an app be made that allows for users to score a cocktail in a private setting rather than be forced to patronize those establishments that are regulated by the liquor boards? What about mundane procedures like haircuts, meals, etc.
Regulations do strangle businesses, and they may need to be tweeked, but there are many services that anyone willing to download an app could offer that may not be in the public interest.
These are great ideas. I'm all for decentralization apps. Which one do I download for cocktails and meals?
Quote from: twojacks on July 10, 2014, 07:53:54 AM
Although I am not opposed to Uber or Lyft theoretically, if this business model is allowed to operate, are we not on a slippery slope of decentralization? Could not an app be made that allows for users to score a cocktail in a private setting rather than be forced to patronize those establishments that are regulated by the liquor boards? What about mundane procedures like haircuts, meals, etc.
Regulations do strangle businesses, and they may need to be tweeked, but there are many services that anyone willing to download an app could offer that may not be in the public interest.
I think almost every adult can decide for themselves if participating in the "sharing economy" is a good idea for them. Consumers are are showing that they want to be able to opt out of heavily licensed and regulated products and services and adults should have that option. A lot of licensing and regulation only serves to limit competition for established businesses and industries.
Quotebut there are many services that anyone willing to download an app could offer that may not be in the public interest.
The regulatory framework that previously banned services like Uber from operating in Jax (that was pushed heavily by a taxi industry that enjoyed monopolistic protection), was centered around the method in which to 'hail' your taxi service. Quite simply, the electronic app did not meet the letter of the law.
That's a law that didn't reflect today's marketplace (an electronic hailing method is quite simply more efficient) and the law existed under a veil of protectionism that limited competition artificially to the sole benefit of a particular lobbying group who had no real incentive to provide better services to the consumer. Comparing running an illegal bar in your own home to Uber/Lyft is just not a fair comparison.
Quote from: ben says on July 09, 2014, 05:14:03 PM
I agree that uber is for short distances only.
I use them primarily for DT to Riverside, or Riverside to San Marco, or some version of that. Usually $10-12.
I once took it from Baymeadows to Riverside. As expensive as just buying a tank of gas.
I am with you there. Looked into it the last time I flew into JIA. I was quoted $50.
That's pretty standard pricing for the airport, taxi or otherwise.
Quote from: twojacks on July 10, 2014, 07:53:54 AM
Although I am not opposed to Uber or Lyft theoretically, if this business model is allowed to operate, are we not on a slippery slope of decentralization? Could not an app be made that allows for users to score a cocktail in a private setting rather than be forced to patronize those establishments that are regulated by the liquor boards? What about mundane procedures like haircuts, meals, etc.
Regulations do strangle businesses, and they may need to be tweeked, but there are many services that anyone willing to download an app could offer that may not be in the public interest.
I use apps for home-cooked meal delivery and occasionally grocery delivery every now and again. A former Google campus chef went out on his own and created a meal prep/delivery service for my part of the city, though there is an equivalent for most parts of the city. 3 choices to order a day, tip/delivery included in price. There are alcohol delivery apps already, and cocktail apps. I don't use them since I live catty corner from an amazing liquor store and there are nearly 10 wine shops/wine bars within 3 blocks of me.
As far as regulation, all major apps are being regulated now, depending on jurisdiction. Recent legislation here in CA means that rideshare cannot bring you to the airport (they've long been prohibited from picking up at airport), unless it's Flywheel, which is a taxi app that works like Uber. Airbnb is also in the works to be regulated here in CA. My roomie had a friend over yesterday who works at Airbnb, but little was discussed of all the proposed legislation.
Quote from: simms3 on July 10, 2014, 12:47:33 PM
Airbnb is also in the works to be regulated here in CA. My roomie had a friend over yesterday who works at Airbnb, but little was discussed of all the proposed legislation.
Hmm, not sure if this is related but airbnb sent this note to all its users the other day:
Quote
Dear Maxwell,
We are inviting you back to where it all started to show you where we're heading next. You are one of our most valued community members and we would love for you to be part of this.
On Wednesday July 16 at 10am Pacific time, we want to share some work with you that is brand new. We will be streaming a live broadcast from the living room of the very first Airbnb.
Tune in here
See you there,
Brian, Joe & Nate
Does the availability of Uber, Lyft, etc reduce drunk driving?
http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/15/are-people-using-uber-as-an-alternative (http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/15/are-people-using-uber-as-an-alternative)
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on July 16, 2014, 10:09:44 AM
Does the availability of Uber, Lyft, etc reduce drunk driving?
http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/15/are-people-using-uber-as-an-alternative (http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/15/are-people-using-uber-as-an-alternative)
I know many people who are using Lyft and Uber to stop driving after drinking. I have never known those people to take a taxi, however.
Why do you think that is?
Marketing, probably.
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on July 16, 2014, 11:16:56 AM
Why do you think that is?
Lyft drivers are generally young people, personable and excited about driving, not grumpy taxi drivers. It's cheaper and there's a certain stigma attached to taking a taxi home after a night of drinking that does not yet exist with these apps.
Quote from: johnnyliar on July 16, 2014, 11:24:57 AM
...there's a certain stigma attached to taking a taxi home after a night of drinking ...
There is? Really? I've never heard of such a thing.
I don't know about taxi stigmas, but the rest of johnnyliar's comments plays into my "marketing, probably" post. Lyft (or Uber) is seen as this hip, new thing that you gotta try, even though it's just a tech-friendly version of something that's been around for decades.
^It also has good word of mouth that it's more reliable than traditional taxis. Around here, it's not a terribly rare experience to have cabs demand an exact time for pickup, show up late, or not show at all.
As everyone has said...far more reliable and easier transaction than taxis. You don't need to have any cash at all. Also generally cheaper than taxis in Jax, especially for short routes.
QuoteAnyway: the big benefit from new IT-mediated car services will come if they make it possible for lots of people — and not just people in Manhattan — to live without owning their own cars. And if you think about it, you can see how that might work.
Right now, if you live in places without exceptionally good public transportation, it's very difficult to manage without a car. Yet when you think about it, for most people owning a car is quite wasteful. It's an expensive item of equipment that sits idle most of the time; it requires parking (and often a parking structure) both at origin and at destination; it requires maintenance and is a big hassle all around.
So reliable, quick-response chauffeur services could free many people from the need to tie up all those resources in a consumer durable that they only use now and then. And from a social point of view it would avoid the need to tie up so much capital that sits unused most of the time.
There is, however, an obvious problem: rush hour. Peak car use comes twice a day, and that would seem to dictate that we have nearly as many cars as we do now even if they're supplied by the likes of Uber.
But here's where surge pricing comes in. If traveling during peak hours is more expensive than off-peak, people will have an incentive to shave off those peaks. People who aren't commuting to work will avoid travel at peak hours; some people will find other ways to travel; some people (and businesses) will rearrange their schedules to take advantage of cheaper off-peak travel. So you can imagine a society that still relies mainly on cars to get around, but manages to do this with significantly fewer cars than we need at present.
Cars aren't the only consumer durable where something like this might work, of course. People in New York don't need refrigerators (and in particular freezers) that are as big as those in the suburbs, because it's so easy to pop around the corner for groceries; online ordering and delivery could produce a similar effect outside the city. But cars are surely the big prize.
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/15/life-without-cars/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Opinion&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs®ion=Body&_r=0
It sounds like the honeymoon is over for Uber/Lyft as far as the city council is concerned.
http://members.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2014-08-05/story/jacksonville-city-council-members-want-tougher-penalties-uber-lyft
I don't think Jack Shad should be going after Uber/Lyft here. While not his father, Mike Shad, who built a nice business and sold it off, Jack does bring a great love of Jacksonville to his job. If you hear the Taxi Owners, Uber/Lyft is leaving taxi cab drivers to "starve", which we all know is complete BS. I only hope Jack can find some middle ground on such a non-issue.
Uber/Lyft are great for Jax, and to tax them, make them hold medallions is joke, taxi companies need to get with the new system, not everyone wants a dingy smelly taxi for their next trip across town.
Government protecting existing businesses from competition at the expense of consumers=crony capitalism.
Uber announced that is testing an option that enables its users to split fares on rides with strangers who are traveling on a similar route.
UberPool works like the regular Uber service, except it pairs users up with another rider, and notifies them of their co-rider's first name. Launched in private beta, users can sign up to get notified when UberPool goes live in certain areas.
http://mashable.com/2014/08/05/uber-announces-carpooling-for-rides/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link
Had my first Jax-based taxi experience in years the other day. Forgot about Uber, so I called Gator City because it was the only number I knew without looking it up. I was told it'd be 15 minutes or less; after 30 minutes of nothing, I called again, only to be told it would still be 15 minutes or less. Another 10 minutes passed, I get a call from the driver who was irate that I wasn't where in Baymeadows I said I'd be. Never mind that I was in Mandarin, never mind that the street address was in Mandarin, never mind that she recited the exact street address which indicated she wasn't completely clueless. Annoyed at having to wait so long and furious that she was taking this attitude with me, I start yelling at her, to which she was says if I had called from the Starbucks phone (I was at a Starbucks) rather than my cell phone, none of this would have happened. Rather than ask her what the hell was she talking about, I hung up. Called Gator City again and canceled my ride, even though I doubt the assigned driver was going to come anyway after our row.
Then I tried Uber. The ride arrived in less than 10 minutes. A+ will use again.
EDIT: Jeez, typing that I found myself still getting angry over my Gator City experience, two days removed from it.
http://blog.uber.com/uberpool
Just figure out what other cities do and adapt it for our needs. I just used Uber yesterday, and it's unfathomably better than the service you get from standard cab companies. It would be ridiculous to crack down on them for having a better service.
Quote from: Tacachale on August 06, 2014, 11:36:30 AM
Just figure out what other cities do and adapt it for our needs. I just used Uber yesterday, and it's unfathomably better than the service you get from standard cab companies. It would be ridiculous to crack down on them for having a better service.
In Montreal, the cabs operate under Uber. Or more specifically, Uber's service is executed by the traditional cabs. I never tried out the app there, as there were cabs readily available everywhere we went.
This is the wrong place for this question, but maybe someone knowledgeable can offer insight.
Just wondering why so many cities shut down their transit systems just before the majority of their nightlife closes down?
eg, Montreal, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo. I guess generally there just isn't enough ridership to sustain operating the majority of the system, and from a transportation planner's standpoint, the nightlife clientele travels from one central point and disburses in all directions which might be better suited for taxis. But sometimes it seems like it's pandering to the taxi groups as well.
In Montreal it would have been extremely useful for us...and would have required an extension by 2-3 hours.
In Hong Kong some of the cabbies really try to ripoff tourists, and while this is an issue all the time it seems that drunk tourists trying to get home are the easiest victims.
In Singapore there is a 50% premium for riding cabs after midnight. Tokyo's is just 20%.
RICHMOND (August 06, 2014) - Governor Terry McAuliffe and Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced today that the Commonwealth of Virginia has reached an agreement with transportation network companies Uber and Lyft that will help ensure the safety of passengers, bring the companies into compliance with Virginia law, provide transparency into their operations, and promote a level playing field for transportation providers. This temporary legal framework, one of the first of its kind in the nation, is the result of extensive discussions between the companies, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the McAuliffe administration, and Attorney General Herring's office following the issuance of "cease and desist" letters to the companies on June 5.
"In order for Virginia to remain economically competitive, it is important that we welcome innovative companies like Uber and Lyft and provide them with the resources they need to safely and effectively operate in the Commonwealth,"said Governor McAuliffe. "Technology – specifically related to smart phones – continues to advance at a rapid pace, and I am pleased that we were able to work together to find a swift solution that will provide Virginia's workers, students, and families with more transportation options."
"I knew there had to be a better way to ensure the safety of Virginia passengers," said Attorney General Herring."These companies offer services that Virginians want, but it just wasn't acceptable for them to operate without complying with regulations or other measures to help ensure the safety of passengers and motorists. I'm proud that we were able to get folks back to the table and get them talking again, and now we've shown that Virginia can be responsive to innovative businesses while promoting public safety and the rule of law. Because of this cooperation, Virginians are going to have more transportation options that are safer, more transparent, and appropriately regulated. I hope other states will look to Virginia as a model for how to safely integrate the so-called sharing economy."
"Thanks to the leadership of Governor McAuliffe and Attorney General Herring for putting consumers first and embracing innovation, choice and opportunity," said Justin Kintz, public policy, Uber Technologies, Inc. "We look forward to continuing to work together to create a permanent home for ridesharing, providing residents and visitors with safe, reliable transportation options."
"Today's agreement allows Lyft to continue providing safe rides and economic opportunity to Virginians as we work with state leaders to secure a permanent future for ridesharing, said Dave Estrada, VP of Government Relations for Lyft. "Virginia has led the way in embracing innovative industries and we applaud Governor McAuliffe and Attorney General Herring for their thoughtful work to reach an agreement that maintains the highest level of public safety while expanding consumer choice. In addition to our involvement in DMV's ongoing study on Transportation Network Companies, we look forward to helping craft new rules for peer-to-peer transportation that increase access to safe, affordable and convenient rides for all Virginia residents."
The Department of Motor Vehicles has informed Uber and Lyft that their applications for transportation broker's licenses and temporary operating authority have been granted, effective immediately, they meet an extensive set of regulations to promote passenger safety, have appropriate insurance, and comply with Virginia law. If at any point either company fails to comply with these terms, DMV can revoke the temporary operating authority.
These conditions include:
Extensive background checks of drivers, with immediate disqualifiers including convictions for any felony, fraud, sexual offenses, or violent crimes, or registration as a sex offender.
A review of driving history, with disqualification for drivers convicted of three or more moving violations in the last three years, DUI, underage drinking, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer, hit and run, or eluding law-enforcement, or a revocation of a driver's license.
Zero tolerance for the use of drugs or alcohol by any drivers, and a suspension pending investigation of any driver accused of violating the zero tolerance policy.
Only employing drivers who are properly licensed and over 21, and vehicles that carry a maximum of seven passengers and are properly registered and inspected for safety and emissions, where applicable.
Rigorous insurance requirements, including requiring drivers to maintain automobile liability insurance, maintaining on behalf of all drivers an additional $1,000,000 of coverage from the moment a driver accepts a trip request until the passenger leaves the vehicle, and liability insurance for drivers who are logged onto the companies' software but not providing services.
Maintaining documentation for each driver of his or her background check, sex offender registry check, driving record, proof of insurance, valid driver's license, Social Security number, vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle safety inspection. Documentation must be available to DMV on demand to investigate any complaints, and must be available for periodic audits to ensure compliance.
Paying any previously assessed civil penalties for non-compliance and dropping any appeals, which both companies have already done.
Features to help customers identify their driver and vehicle, including from the outside of the vehicle.
Drivers notifying the companies of any change in their license status, vehicle registration, insurance, or any arrest for a crime that would disqualify them from being a driver.
Rate transparency and documentation.
Companies advising drivers of their need to comply with applicable tax laws.
Only accepting rides booked through the companies' mobile device apps, not street hails.
Companies maintaining a Virginia transportation broker's license.
Virginia DMV is currently leading a study at the request of the General Assembly to developing a long-term legislative solution that addresses services provided by Uber, Lyft, and similar companies, while also ensuring a level playing field for taxicabs and all other passenger transportation services. The study is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2015 legislative session. This temporary authority agreement can serve as a foundation for potential legislation and will also provide valuable data on the operations of these companies as legislation is crafted.
Quote from: finehoe on August 06, 2014, 08:57:26 AM
Uber announced that is testing an option that enables its users to split fares on rides with strangers who are traveling on a similar route.
UberPool works like the regular Uber service, except it pairs users up with another rider, and notifies them of their co-rider's first name. Launched in private beta, users can sign up to get notified when UberPool goes live in certain areas.
http://mashable.com/2014/08/05/uber-announces-carpooling-for-rides/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link
Didn't even know this was new. Been splitting fares with 1 or more people for a while now! Also, now you can give the Uber driver a destination prior to ordering one (similar to Sidecar). Convenient for big cities where drivers can't sit in one spot for long or for addresses that are complex and would otherwise require some verbal direction.
Quote from: FSBA on October 14, 2013, 03:43:55 AM
I remember at one council meeting it was brought up that you had to have X amount (I think 5) taxis ready to go before even being in compliance with city code. It is one of many arbitrary and maddening issues in there. I think it would be better to simply repeal most of the code concerning taxi/limo services.
Is this still true?
http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom (http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom)
QuoteTaxi Deregulation Removes Cab Drivers' Economic Shackles
Steven Greenhut | November 14, 2014
SACRAMENTO — After the Civil War, newly freed slaves and poor whites in the Deep South often became "sharecroppers" who farmed land owned by others and paid a share of the crops. Barely able to eke out a living and unable to buy farms, they became indebted to the owners and locked into a life of poverty.
It sounds strange at first, but San Diego's taxicab system — like such systems elsewhere – has parallels to that antiquated economic model. Eighty-nine percent of the city's cab drivers rent cabs. Because of a city-imposed cap on the number of cabs, these drivers cannot go out on their own.
They pay around $1,200 a month to lease their cabs to pay for those high medallion costs. The results are predictable. According to the 2013 "Driven to Despair" survey from San Diego State University and the Center on Policy Initiatives, "San Diego taxi drivers earn a median of less than $5 an hour. ... Virtually no drivers have job-related health coverage ... ." Drivers are encouraged to "drive when tired or sick."
That all will change. On Monday, the San Diego City Council overwhelmingly approved a proposal from council member Marti Emerald to remove the cap on the number of city-issued permits. The meeting was held at a large auditorium given the high level of interest from drivers and company owners.
The latter have been vocal in their opposition for obvious reasons. As cab owners, they benefit from a cap that eliminates new competition. They often speculate on the value of these city-issued permits, which now are worth up to $140,000. If the system opens up, the value of the permits evaporates, and they no longer have drivers with little choice but to accept their terms and conditions.
"Our drivers want to be owner operators," said Sarah Saez, program director of the United Taxi Workers of San Diego, which represents more than 700 drivers. "They want to be small business owners," she added, noting how excited many of the drivers are to be able to implement new ideas and compete against ride-sharing services. "This is the only way to save the taxi industry."
Whole article here: http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom (http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom)
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on November 14, 2014, 03:11:17 PM
http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom (http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom)
QuoteTaxi Deregulation Removes Cab Drivers' Economic Shackles
Steven Greenhut | November 14, 2014
SACRAMENTO — After the Civil War, newly freed slaves and poor whites in the Deep South often became "sharecroppers" who farmed land owned by others and paid a share of the crops. Barely able to eke out a living and unable to buy farms, they became indebted to the owners and locked into a life of poverty.
It sounds strange at first, but San Diego's taxicab system — like such systems elsewhere – has parallels to that antiquated economic model. Eighty-nine percent of the city's cab drivers rent cabs. Because of a city-imposed cap on the number of cabs, these drivers cannot go out on their own.
They pay around $1,200 a month to lease their cabs to pay for those high medallion costs. The results are predictable. According to the 2013 "Driven to Despair" survey from San Diego State University and the Center on Policy Initiatives, "San Diego taxi drivers earn a median of less than $5 an hour. ... Virtually no drivers have job-related health coverage ... ." Drivers are encouraged to "drive when tired or sick."
That all will change. On Monday, the San Diego City Council overwhelmingly approved a proposal from council member Marti Emerald to remove the cap on the number of city-issued permits. The meeting was held at a large auditorium given the high level of interest from drivers and company owners.
The latter have been vocal in their opposition for obvious reasons. As cab owners, they benefit from a cap that eliminates new competition. They often speculate on the value of these city-issued permits, which now are worth up to $140,000. If the system opens up, the value of the permits evaporates, and they no longer have drivers with little choice but to accept their terms and conditions.
"Our drivers want to be owner operators," said Sarah Saez, program director of the United Taxi Workers of San Diego, which represents more than 700 drivers. "They want to be small business owners," she added, noting how excited many of the drivers are to be able to implement new ideas and compete against ride-sharing services. "This is the only way to save the taxi industry."
Whole article here: http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom (http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom)
While I think its th right step forward what about the people that own the medallions now worth $140k that will essentially become worthless? Yikes.
^^^Cab companies actually require a certain economies of scale to operate at a profit. Not sure how "individual-driven" cab companies will work - will further hurt their own bottom lines and will dilute their image/business if they no longer have to "compete" and can all individually offer the same shitty service. Everyone will certainly flock to Uber then.
Cab companies are able to buy NEW cars not even available to dealers yet in bulk for bottom barrel pricing (because the car companies actually use cab companies to test durability and it's a benefit to both parties). Also cab companies are able to insure their business/drivers at reduced bulk rates. Also cab companies operate with a degree of efficiency. They also offer platforms that can compete with other platforms, producing ways to distinguish themselves. There's also the whole concept of a dispatch that gets lost when you go out on your own. With cab apps, cab companies pay to use the app at the corporate level, not at the individual level (2 main apps - Flywheel and Curb).
Cab companies in many cities that have actual large amounts of cabs (NYC, Boston, Chicago, DC, SF, LA) have clamored for more regulation. There are ongoing debates as to whether there are already enough drivers or too many (typically there are too many on the road during the day and much of the evening, but then not enough during peak times such as rush hour or when bars let out). Instead, the cab companies have pushed for more regulation on the Uber/Lyft side rather than deregulation of their own businesses. I would think cab companies in SF (or most really large cities with extensive cab usage) understand the cab business moreso than cab companies in Sacramento, but each market is different.
Quote from: acme54321 on November 14, 2014, 04:40:31 PM
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on November 14, 2014, 03:11:17 PM
http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom (http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom)
QuoteTaxi Deregulation Removes Cab Drivers' Economic Shackles
Steven Greenhut | November 14, 2014
SACRAMENTO — After the Civil War, newly freed slaves and poor whites in the Deep South often became "sharecroppers" who farmed land owned by others and paid a share of the crops. Barely able to eke out a living and unable to buy farms, they became indebted to the owners and locked into a life of poverty.
It sounds strange at first, but San Diego's taxicab system — like such systems elsewhere – has parallels to that antiquated economic model. Eighty-nine percent of the city's cab drivers rent cabs. Because of a city-imposed cap on the number of cabs, these drivers cannot go out on their own.
They pay around $1,200 a month to lease their cabs to pay for those high medallion costs. The results are predictable. According to the 2013 "Driven to Despair" survey from San Diego State University and the Center on Policy Initiatives, "San Diego taxi drivers earn a median of less than $5 an hour. ... Virtually no drivers have job-related health coverage ... ." Drivers are encouraged to "drive when tired or sick."
That all will change. On Monday, the San Diego City Council overwhelmingly approved a proposal from council member Marti Emerald to remove the cap on the number of city-issued permits. The meeting was held at a large auditorium given the high level of interest from drivers and company owners.
The latter have been vocal in their opposition for obvious reasons. As cab owners, they benefit from a cap that eliminates new competition. They often speculate on the value of these city-issued permits, which now are worth up to $140,000. If the system opens up, the value of the permits evaporates, and they no longer have drivers with little choice but to accept their terms and conditions.
"Our drivers want to be owner operators," said Sarah Saez, program director of the United Taxi Workers of San Diego, which represents more than 700 drivers. "They want to be small business owners," she added, noting how excited many of the drivers are to be able to implement new ideas and compete against ride-sharing services. "This is the only way to save the taxi industry."
Whole article here: http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom (http://reason.com/archives/2014/11/14/taxi-deregulation-removes-cabbies-econom)
While I think its th right step forward what about the people that own the medallions now worth $140k that will essentially become worthless? Yikes.
Yea, city should buy out the medallions at FMV if they go this route. Most cities regulate cab companies as a sort of quasi-extension of public transit, hence the medallion system in the first place.
I think it's a big mistake to maintain the status quo (crony capitalism) just because some people or companies are heavily invested in it. If you do you cheat the public out of the benefits of competition and innovation. One of the features of a relatively free and unregulated market is that business models that don't satisfy customers needs fail and are replaced by ones that do.
^Good post. Anyone feel sorry for the Baltimore Water Taxis guys who were two seats short from a 350 seat RFP? They had 348 seats. So you are losers. Change the RFP and now it's 120 and immediately the Executive Branch (Mayor) defrauds and circumvents the Legislative Branch (City Council) 2014-412. The Uber and Lyft legislation is 2014-665 and is active. Saw Jack Shad who was there for it at a Finance agenda meeting 11/4/14. I was there for 2014-305 and was sitting next to Carla Miller who was there for 2014-668.
Our new CRA/DIA in the USA 20 square mile zone 2014-560 is active legislation before the city council before it gets sent to the state for approval. Allow opportunity for everyone and not just breaking the law and picking winners and losers. Please.
(https://sullydish.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/uber-graphic.jpg?w=580&h=459)
Quote from: finehoe on December 17, 2014, 08:00:27 AM
(https://sullydish.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/uber-graphic.jpg?w=580&h=459)
Here's the link to the story for those interested in the graphic's source.
http://www.thenation.com/article/192545/socialize-uber
I'm no Uber expert, but the graphic doesn't mention the support that Uber provides it's drivers, such as advertising / marketing, insurance, and other support such as paying fines levied by municipalities that have yet to come to an agreement with Uber and it's drivers.
I've only used Uber, never considered being a driver, but I like their product. Maybe some on MJ have driven for Uber and can give their opinion on being a driver for them?
What's stopping the AFL/CIO from organizing drivers to compete with Uber? Uber is a business model that seems to be working well and making customers happy. IMO it's more likely that small innovative businesses will form to compete successfully with Uber than co-ops or organized labor. The main reason that Uber, Lyft, etc have been so refreshing to customers is that for so long taxi companies and government have teamed up to keep rates high and innovation curtailed.
Quote from: Gators312 on December 17, 2014, 08:35:12 AM
Maybe some on MJ have driven for Uber and can give their opinion on being a driver for them?
Here's one driver's take: http://www.wnyc.org/story/hustle-behind-the-wheel-what-its-like-to-be-an-uber-driver/
I'm sorry, but other than the large size of Uber I don't see how it differs much from other cab companies.
Quote from: Tacachale on December 17, 2014, 12:30:12 PM
I'm sorry, but other than the large size of Uber I don't see how it differs much from other cab companies.
Have you ever used Uber?
^Yes, many times. I meant I don't see how these downsides are different for Uber than for any other cab company. In most cases drivers either have to own and maintain their own cars (like with Uber) or pay someone to use them. And I'm pretty sure that any cab company will be taking a big cut of the fair.
Uber got some really bad publicity during the hostage crisis in Sydney the other day, but I don't have a problem with the way they handled it.
http://www.cato.org/blog/economics-uber-surge-pricing?utm_source=Cato+Institute+Emails&utm_campaign=9ddcdeb102-Cato_Today&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_395878584c-9ddcdeb102-141340473&mc_cid=9ddcdeb102&mc_eid=094e06e7c6 (http://www.cato.org/blog/economics-uber-surge-pricing?utm_source=Cato+Institute+Emails&utm_campaign=9ddcdeb102-Cato_Today&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_395878584c-9ddcdeb102-141340473&mc_cid=9ddcdeb102&mc_eid=094e06e7c6)
QuoteIt is important to remember that surge pricing automatically kicks in thanks to Uber's price algorithm. There was no Uber employee who decided to impose surge pricing amid a hostage crisis. Uber claimed that it kept surge pricing in place in order to get drivers on the road amid the crisis. Uber has no control over when drivers decide to log into its app, it can only provide financial incentives. Without surge pricing in effect there may well have been fewer drivers willing to get passengers out of Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), the site of the siege. Uber responded to criticism of its surge pricing by making trips from the CBD free while keeping the surge rate high. Uber also claimed that it was refunding fares for passengers who left the CBD and were charged while surge pricing was in effect. Despite these steps, it should not be forgotten that the criticism Uber initially faced for surge pricing in Sydney was misplaced. Those who did not want to pay Uber's elevated fares had other means of public transportation by which to leave the CBD.
2014-665 active legislation before the city council that will be voted on before the next election cycle. Does anyone else feel sorry for the Baltimore guys 2014-412? Now let's crush Uber and Lyft.
I say support Uber and Lyft in Jacksonville.
What is the position of the Mayor and city council candidates in the March election?
Does anyone know of anyone's position? Seriously.
I don't know what's in this legislation but I'll bet it props up the status quo at the expense of consumer choice and innovation.
Interesting article from Philly on being an Uber driver: http://citypaper.net/uberdriver/
Florida legislature continues to put this off. Here's a chance to show them there are plenty of people who use this service and want it's legality addressed.
http://petition.uber.org/florida/ (http://petition.uber.org/florida/)
Montana decides to embrace Uber and Lyft.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/new-legislation-paves-the-way-for-uber-and-lyft-to/article_2b48046e-6b96-5207-8607-ffcfebf22c7f.html (http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/new-legislation-paves-the-way-for-uber-and-lyft-to/article_2b48046e-6b96-5207-8607-ffcfebf22c7f.html)
QuoteMobile app-based driving services like Uber and Lyft, wildly popular in other parts of the country, could soon be operating in Montana after the last regulatory roadblock was cleared last week.
On Friday, Gov. Steve Bullock signed into law Senate Bill 396, which drastically revises and deregulates motor carrier laws in the state and eliminates the requirement that new taxi services demonstrate public convenience and necessity to acquire a certificate from the Montana Public Service Commission.
...Hill said her own experiences trying to call a cab in Missoula played a role in her passion for this bill.
"I came to this issue as a former prosecutor who lives and works and plays in downtown Missoula," she said. "And I frankly heard from constituents that you can't get a taxi in downtown Missoula on any weekend night. The regulatory scheme was a lie. That's why the Missoula County DUI Taskforce and the city of Missoula supported this legislation."
Hill said the old law was out of date.
"There will now be more consumer choice, and that will be a good thing," she said. "I'm thrilled that we could see an immediate impact on reduction of DUIs and more choices. It took a long time. Before, a competitor could veto a license if you could cause the competitor harm. That's why there was no competition among taxi services in communities.
"A competitor was allowed to say you were going to harm their business. It made it almost impossible for a new company to start, and we saw that with Green Taxi in Missoula. They spent tens of thousands of dollars just to get the chance to serve consumer needs in a community. People were feeling that all over the state."
Whole article here: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/new-legislation-paves-the-way-for-uber-and-lyft-to/article_2b48046e-6b96-5207-8607-ffcfebf22c7f.html (http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/new-legislation-paves-the-way-for-uber-and-lyft-to/article_2b48046e-6b96-5207-8607-ffcfebf22c7f.html)
Are there any drivers for Uber on here? Thought about doing it for some extra cash in the evening to supplement my full time job. But anytime you have to use your own car for work it can quickly offset the money you make.
I don't think there's much room for profit. I briefly considered doing this if I was able to only select the rides I wanted (based on what I was doing and where I was going) but I quickly found that this was not possible. (As a driver you don't get to know the passenger's destination til you get to them and you can't reject more than about 10% of the requests you receive)
Quote from: David on November 17, 2015, 03:35:30 PM
Are there any drivers for Uber on here? Thought about doing it for some extra cash in the evening to supplement my full time job. But anytime you have to use your own car for work it can quickly offset the money you make.
I have a buddy who does it here in town for some extra money on the side. He said it's worked out pretty well so far.
Note that a huge chunk of the drivers in San Francisco for all of the ridesharing apps are from Sacramento. They come into SF at night/weekends and they don't do it back in Sacramento because there is no margin for them there. Sacramento is a considerably larger/denser city than Jacksonville. I would guess that means that there is little to no profit in there for Jax.
I would do it very part time, Uber would make job # 3 haha. (I rate websites/google search results for leapforce.com for job # 2 but it's very repetitive) I hear the rides around Riverside & downtown can be very short, you're only earning 4-5 bucks a pop. There's long drives out to the airport but you're not allowed to pick up from there, at least not for uber x.
Looks like there's tons of uber drivers on the road right now. Good for the rider, probably bad for making money as a driver.
I want to say that you really only make money during surge pricing. What is max surge and how often is there at least 2x pricing? I rarely pay below 1.5x and at night during bar shuffles or during rush hour I easily pay 3x. During special events or huge concerts it can rise to a ridiculous 6-9x. These are when drivers earn money. Otherwise they are floating costs. $4-5 a trip? That gets me 5 blocks at best even without surge. Even in Jax that's not making anybody any money.
Quote from: David on November 17, 2015, 10:07:22 PM
I would do it very part time, Uber would make job # 3 haha. (I rate websites/google search results for leapforce.com for job # 2 but it's very repetitive) I hear the rides around Riverside & downtown can be very short, you're only earning 4-5 bucks a pop. There's long drives out to the airport but you're not allowed to pick up from there, at least not for uber x.
Looks like there's tons of uber drivers on the road right now. Good for the rider, probably bad for making money as a driver.
Yep, I've done a handful of rides around the urban core for 5 bucks lol. But there are usually a few drivers hanging out in the area so it only takes them a couple minutes to get to me (good for me and the driver) Who told you you can't pick up from the airport? I didnt know that...I've definitely been picked up a few times :P
Quote from: simms3 on November 17, 2015, 10:47:34 PM
I want to say that you really only make money during surge pricing. What is max surge and how often is there at least 2x pricing? I rarely pay below 1.5x and at night during bar shuffles or during rush hour I easily pay 3x. During special events or huge concerts it can rise to a ridiculous 6-9x. These are when drivers earn money. Otherwise they are floating costs. $4-5 a trip? That gets me 5 blocks at best even without surge. Even in Jax that's not making anybody any money.
Yeah, I once took 3x surge pricing from my house in San Marco to a Jaguars game...came out to $10 +change. I found 3.5x surge after the game but decided it would suck for the driver to fight all that traffic to come pick me up for around a $12 fare so instead we took the water taxi.
It was someone on the http://uberpeople.net/ forum. They said you're not *supposed* to pick up anyone from the airport but they still do it because it's not really enforced.
Talked to an old friend today who's drove for uber recently. He says the the prime times and areas are what you think they'd be. Thurs-Saturday around 8pm -3am in Riverside and out at the beaches. He made some decent money on a few late night cross-town runs. They "activated" me today but I need to give my car a good cleaning before transporting the good people of Jacksonville around :D
It definitely looks like the service has caught on over the past year. Looking at the app right now I see the city's swarming with Uber drivers.
We use Uber all the time. Its a great deal, and cheap compared to a DUI. To the games at the stadium, we Uber, but you cannot find them when its over. Just easier to get a cab from the Veterans Wall, as they all seem to stack up there.
Have taken it to and from the airport, never an issue.
Oddly enough, I've never used the service. Might try taking it over to the Jags game from Brooklyn tomorrow just to get a feel for it from the rider perceptive , but I will definitely be off-duty afterwards enjoying the game!
I'm more curious than anything about working for them. My gut feeling is you could probably make more money delivering pizzas as a 2nd job but their flexibility is hard to beat.
Alright I've completed a few rides with the service now as a driver now , but nothing "prime time" as in Riverside or the beaches on the weekends. It looks like you can make some money during the surge pricing, but it appears it's difficult to make a decent wage consistently now that they've reduced their fares so much in an effort to run Lyft out of business.
Basically you earn .75 cents a mile with standard pricing, and get .13 cents per minute. An average 6-7 mile ride will cost about 8 bucks, but they tack on a 2.05 "safe rider" fee which is a bit steep in my opinion. None of that goes to the driver, that all goes to Uber for insurance etc. It's only 1.00 in some cities.
Then uber gets a 20% cut of the fares on top of that. So on a fare that's 10.65 the driver's taken home about 6.88 and i'm sure .75 cents - 2.00 of that needs to go towards gas depending on how far away the driver was when the pick up was requested.
The odd thing about Uber is that they discourage tipping while Lyft does not. Lyft at least gives you the option to tip within the app at the end of the ride. IMO, if you felt you received decent service a few dollars would go a long way to helping them offset the cost of driving their car into the ground. And I won't get started on the gray area with private car insurance.
It's not a bad option for someone who's in between jobs or is trying to make a little extra money on the side, and on a busy night even after gas you can probably make 15-20 an hour, but i'll be doing it very sparingly since I don't want to completely devalue my car.
Quotecompletely devalue my car.
Forget it, already done, cars are so cheap right now, you might as well find a cost effective gas guzzler and get a couple of them, one for you, one for business, write the business car off. You can make some serious cash with Uber, we have some drivers who pick us up in riverside/Avondale who are making 200 bucks on a Sat night. Run good respectable operations and do it well.
If the City Council try and tamper with Uber, the backlash will be worse than it was in Ft. Lauderdale, and the Council knows this. Yet, few, if any cab companies has done anything to raise their "game" and make the cabs nicer. They do not care about service nor do they care to make a difference, so that is what Uber is here.
Quote from: David on November 23, 2015, 07:55:55 AM
It's not a bad option for someone who's in between jobs or is trying to make a little extra money on the side, and on a busy night even after gas you can probably make 15-20 an hour, but i'll be doing it very sparingly since I don't want to completely devalue my car.
Remember IRS mileage rate is 57.5 cents per mile. Meaning they estimate it costs you that much to operate your vehicle. How much money are you profiting if your cost is that high...I don't think the earnings rate is much higher than that.
On the flip side, the IRS rate is probably higher than the real cost for the average person (not driving an escalade) so you can deduct at the IRS rate and incur a real cost that's a little lower. But still...how much are you making really??
Quote from: mtraininjax on November 25, 2015, 09:45:15 AM
Forget it, already done, cars are so cheap right now, you might as well find a cost effective gas guzzler and get a couple of them, one for you, one for business, write the business car off. You can make some serious cash with Uber, we have some drivers who pick us up in riverside/Avondale who are making 200 bucks on a Sat night. Run good respectable operations and do it well.
If the City Council try and tamper with Uber, the backlash will be worse than it was in Ft. Lauderdale, and the Council knows this. Yet, few, if any cab companies has done anything to raise their "game" and make the cabs nicer. They do not care about service nor do they care to make a difference, so that is what Uber is here.
Thanks, it's good hearing something positive about the service. As you can see i've been going back and forth but i'm all signed up and ready to go. I tend to drive my cars until they're paid off and completely worthless anyway!
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on November 25, 2015, 11:12:59 AM
Remember IRS mileage rate is 57.5 cents per mile. Meaning they estimate it costs you that much to operate your vehicle. How much money are you profiting if your cost is that high...I don't think the earnings rate is much higher than that.
On the flip side, the IRS rate is probably higher than the real cost for the average person (not driving an escalade) so you can deduct at the IRS rate and incur a real cost that's a little lower. But still...how much are you making really??
That is a good point. I haven't done it enough with Uber to answer that, but I know from previous jobs I've delivered pizzas, did field IT work covering the entire southeast and put on 30,000 miles in a year and the only extra cost was your typical wear and tear (brakes, tune ups and a clutch that wore out a little early) My last vehicle, an 03 GTI, survived a barrage of delivery jobs and I only recently sold it at the 11 year mark with 180k on it.
My car cost me about 20 dollars a day when I factor in car payment,gas and insurance.
And now that you mention I just did the numbers on my previous car. If the reimbursement rate is $0.575 a mile, and say hypothetically I drove all 180,000 for work...the IRS should've reimbursed me $103,500 ...right? right? haha Ok so 26,250 of that was gas. (@ 3.50 a gallon average and remember this is over 10 years) But it does appear the mileage rate covers more than the cost of operating. I would need to get the formula for depreciation to answer completely.
There is a meeting 12/10/15 at city hall 10-11:30 on the transportation legislation. Open to the Public.
I've cooled it on Uber because of the insurance issues. Only made 30 bucks the first night, 40 on another weekend night. I'm not staying out as late during the late night rush because this is only a 2nd (well, 3rd job) Job # 2 lets me work from home and not have to worry about who's paying for my car repairs if I get an accident. Allstate is flat out saying they will not cover me if i'm doing ride share, that has been enough to deter me. Or at least look into other insurance options.
Uber's bumping up their cut of the fares from 20 to 25% to for the drivers. That and their staunch no tipping policy is turning me off to driving for them. .75 cents a mile, .13 cents a minute before Uber takes their chunk and then gas and wear and tear on your car.
When their fares were higher and the drivers took home more, I could see the no tip thing being ok. But when you're making 5 bucks in an hour...yeah, at least include the option like Lyft does.
Quote from: Noone on December 08, 2015, 04:18:22 AM
There is a meeting 12/10/15 at city hall 10-11:30 on the transportation legislation. Open to the Public.
I'd be interested in hearing what they had to say.
Well, there you go, folks. The city trying hard once again to keep services limited. Not to get political, but for a city consisting of conservatives, who are supposed to believe that government should not be involved, they sure are using it to block services like Uber. Lol. Hypocrites.
Florida Senate again focused on Uber driver insurance
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2015/12/floridasenate-again-focused-on-uber-driver.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_jacksonville+%28Jacksonville+Business+Journal%29 (http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2015/12/floridasenate-again-focused-on-uber-driver.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_jacksonville+%28Jacksonville+Business+Journal%29)
The 12/10/15 Special Committee on Vehicle for Hire Agenda had at the end of the meeting John Crescimbeni Special Committee member volunteering to pay with his own money for a sting operation to take place On New Years Eve and for the Taxslayer Bowl.
Anyone else feeling sorry for the Baltimore guys 2014-412? Losers.
There was one person at the end of the meeting that was denied an opportunity for Public Comment.
Quote from: Noone on December 11, 2015, 05:50:09 AM
The 12/10/15 Special Committee on Vehicle for Hire Agenda had at the end of the meeting John Crescimbeni Special Committee member volunteering to pay with his own money for a sting operation to take place On New Years Eve and for the Taxslayer Bowl.
Anyone else feeling sorry for the Baltimore guys 2014-412? Losers.
There was one person at the end of the meeting that was denied an opportunity for Public Comment.
Interesting. What does the sting operation entail, fining Uber drivers?
Here's some links to the 12/10 vehicles for hire meeting
http://media.coj.net/City_Council/Audio/VehiclesForHire_12-10-15.mp3
http://apps2.coj.net/City_Council_Public_Notices_Repository/20151130%20Amend%20Spec%20Comm%20Vehicles%20Hire.docx
At the end of the 1/4/16 Finance agenda meeting I asked councilman Crescimbeni about the undercover sting operation that was to target Uber and Lyft drivers for New Years and the Taxslayer Bowl game and it didn't happen.
2014-305 Docking Rules and Penalties. The SEIZURE of your Watercraft for a docking violation.
Next meeting of the Special Committee on vehicles for hire 1/26/16 at 12 at city hall. Open to the Public.
If you're an Uber driver, you could have your car booted in Jacksonville.
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/01/26/if-youre-an-uber-driver-you-could-have-your-car.html
Ah, you'll risk getting booted f you don't have your registration, insurance and background checks completed. I've only done about a dozen or so trips for Uber . They've dropped their mileage reimbursement to drivers down from .75 cents a mile to .65. Raised their cut to 25% of total fares. Great for the riders, but not enough to keep me driving for them.
Anybody ever use Uber early in the morning? I want to leave for the airport around 715-730a on Monday and was planning to uber, but just realized I've never tried to go that early before. Anybody know if I should expect to have issues or not?
I've used it at that time and earlier with no problem.
Danke, taca.
Next meeting of the Special Committee on vehicles for hire 3/22/16 at 11 am at city hall. Open to the Public. Will there be any media there?
6 hours out anyone going?
Land based transportation option.
Water based transportation option.
Less than 4 hours out. This should be the meeting that will draft legislation that may have us all saying "Does anyone else feel sorry for the Uber, Lyft Guys and Gals."
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The 3/22/16 Special Committee on Vehicles for Hire handout for the Public included a House of Representatives Staff analysis.
Bill # CS/CS/HB 509 Transportation Network Companies
Sponsors Economic Affairs Committee; Highway and Waterways Subcommittee; Gaetz and others
Summary Analysis
#4 Provides that a person MUST obtain a permit from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to operate as a TNC
#5 Provides an annual permit fee for TNCs in the amount of $5000, paid to DHSMV
#17 Provides that airports MAY charge an annual fee to TNCs of up to $5000.
The bill has an indeterminate, but positive, fiscal impact on DHSMV. The bill has a potential negative fiscal impact on local governments currently collecting fees from TNCs; however, airports may see a positive fiscal impact from charging fees for the use of airport facilities.
The bill has an effective date of 7/1/2016
The information above does not reflect the intent or official position of the sponsor or House of Representatives. Dated 1/22/16
Does anyone else feel sorry for the .........
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Quote from: David on January 27, 2016, 11:34:14 AM
Ah, you'll risk getting booted f you don't have your registration, insurance and background checks completed. I've only done about a dozen or so trips for Uber . They've dropped their mileage reimbursement to drivers down from .75 cents a mile to .65. Raised their cut to 25% of total fares. Great for the riders, but not enough to keep me driving for them.
How about a $5000 annual permit fee to DHSMV to participate in a land based transportation option for consumers? Has this been reported anywhere? is it true?
Another observation. Public Comment wasn't on the agenda. Never recognized. Even though there was a guy in front of me that had his hand up virtually the whole meeting.
Stay Positive.
Next meeting 4/6/16 at 1:30pm. 1st floor of city hall?
8 1/2 hours out. Anyone going? Will Public comment be allowed? Don't bet your medallion on it.
Anyone going?
Open to the Public.
Except Public Comment?
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Anyone going? 4/27/16 at 10:30 am 1st. Floor city hall. Open to the PUBLIC. Will Public Comment be allowed? Can now watch the meeting live. COJ.net go to city council. live streaming from the Lynwood Roberts room. Looking for 3 new amendments to be approved.
Taxis suing Miami-Dade for $1 billion over new Uber law
Miami-Dade faces a $1 billion lawsuit by taxi companies over legalizing Uber, which the plaintiffs say has demolished the value of the exclusive taxi "medallions" they purchased from the county years ago.
"We had $350,000 fair-market value before Mother's Day 2014," taxi lawyer Ralph Patino said, referring to what one of the more than 2,000 county taxi medallions sold for on the secondary market before Uber and Lyft started operations in Miami-Dade two summers ago. "Now we're down to about $60,000."
The lawsuit rests on an argument Uber and Lyft, its much smaller competitor, have faced nationwide as their app-based ride service has upended taxi industries in major cities coast to coast. Taxi industries last fall lost a key court ruling in New York, and Miami-Dade officials say they're confident the county has no obligation to protect the value of medallions against changes to the local car-for-hire industry.
In February, Patino's taxi-cab clients filed suit against the county seeking to preemptively block a Miami-Dade bill designed to legalize Uber and Lyft. Miami-Dade commissioners passed the ordinance Tuesday evening, and Mayor Carlos Gimenez, a top Uber supporter, plans to let it become law when the 10-day veto window ends next week. After Tuesday's vote, taxi leaders promised more legal action, and Gimenez said he wasn't worried.
"We can't be held hostage," Gimenez said Tuesday evening. "That was something they were hanging over our heads for a long time, to scare us. There's been legal action around the country. We'll take that on, too."
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article75555187.html
On First Coast Connect right now.
Here's an example of what's happened when UBER was ran out of Austin Texas. People aren't going back to Taxis..
http://rare.us/story/uber-is-gone-in-austin-but-locals-arent-turning-back-to-cabs/?utm_source=JulieBorowski&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Influencer
Uber and Lyft on First Coast Connect again.
The 6/8/16 10:30 am meeting has been canceled.
The meeting has been rescheduled for 6/13/16 at 3:30 pm. 1st floor city hall. Open to the Public.
^The rescheduled meeting is for 3pm not 3:30. FINES and PENALTIES were still to be decided. The day before a potential floor amendment and city council vote.
Meeting today at 3. Anyone going? FINES and PENALTIES to be defined. Will this be ready for a council vote on 6/14/16?
1 hour out. Anyone going?
WOW! What a Ride of a meeting. How do you rate this one?
What will be reported? Look for special legislation to waive the revenue for the medallion requirements for the taxi companies for another 3 months. How much revenue is that? The Uber guy said they could go with an annual license fee. Committee member Garrett Dennis was told that the lost revenue will have to be made up later from taxpayers. OK.
Agenda item V. Penalties- SEIZURE/IMPOUNDMENT
Have to love this one. Crescimbeni is Sharp. During the meeting before agenda item V. the OED guy Wendland is getting up to leave. Crescimbeni gets up and catches Kirk before he goes. So back to agenda item V. when it comes up. SEIZURE/IMPOUNDMENT Crescimbeni asks about the procedure if a vehicle is impounded and seized for a parking violation. So Wendland is gone. Some guy at the table says that you have to talk to the parking guy. Crescimbeni tells the guy that is why I got up to catch Wendland before he left and said you could answer the question. The guy at the table says we have a new parking guy that took over for Jack Shad and he is not here. How convenient. Also Parking has been taken over by the DIA. Crescimbeni then asks is there anyone from the DIA here. NO. How convenient. WOW!
What a meeting!
The legislation is 2016-422. Public Hearing 6/28/16
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