The City of Birmingham is Preparing for Uber
The ride sharing company Uber could be driving into Birmingham. The company has posted online ads for drivers although they won’t say specifically whether they have plans to come to Birmingham. Such ride sharing operations have become common in larger cities around the country and the world. They work by using a smart phone ap to connect people with vehicles for hire.
But many governments have cried foul, even baring them from operating, saying they’re just unregulated taxi services. Birmingham City Councilwoman Kim Rafferty, who chairs the transportation committee, is trying to get ahead of that and is currently updating the city’s transportation code to deal with ride sharing companies.
She says she’s used Uber in Washington D.C. and likes it. What concerns her are services such as the lower cost UberX, where people contract to use their personal cars to pick up riders.
“It’s more individuals operating within a vacuum,” said Rafferty. “So with these types of companies we need to be proactive, putting language in there that defines them, in our code, which will then force them or strongly encourage them to comply.”
Rafferty says passengers who pay for these services have an expectation of safety and that the driver is insured and will be responsible. She says if a driver is found to be operating under the radar, the city should be able to seize the vehicle.
Rafferty says most regulations pertaining to ride sharing vehicles are in place. Definitions will need to be updated.
Taxi companies have generally been upset over ride sharing companies saying they’re unfair competition. Taxi drivers in several European cities staged protests against Uber earlier this month.
Ellis Houston, President of Yellow Cab of Birmingham, told the Birmingham Business Journal he doesn’t mind the competition but doesn’t believe Uber is competing on an even playing field.
Birmingham City Councilwoman Kim Rafferty says ride sharing and taxis complement each other and aren’t necessarily in direct competition.
“In the end, the marketplace is going to decide who is successful and who is not,” Rafferty said.
Rafferty says Uber is reaching out to Alabama, but the new rules she’s developing might give the company pause.
“I think once these new regulations are in place, it may back them up a bit and make them reconsider coming in because they will have to be regulated,” Rafferty said.
WBHM has reached out to Uber for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.
~ Andrew Yeager, June 24, 2014
Birmingham’s newest voters: how the latest generation is approaching politics
While Alabama is not a swing state, these students represent an up and coming generation whose voices have not yet been heard in the political world. And this demographic of voters has already proven that they can make an impact.
It’s the last day of the 2024 campaign. Here’s where Harris and Trump are going
Vice President Harris ends her day with a concert on the "Rocky Steps" in Philadelphia. Former President Trump will wrap up in Grand Rapids, Mich. — where he also closed out his 2016 and 2020 races.
Moldova’s pro-Western president wins vote overshadowed by Russian meddling claims
Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference.
A stranger’s words have a ripple effect on one man’s life
After Brian Perkins refused a stranger's help, her actions changed his life forever.
Anxious at the Portland airport? Beni the Llama is here for you, spreading joy
The gentle animals are part of Portland International Airport's effort to counter travel stress with soothing elements from nature.
Meet the conservative women who are keeping their votes for Kamala Harris a secret
Polls show a historic gender gap in the 2024 election. Democrats are reminding conservative women: votes are a secret and they can vote for who they want, including Vice President Harris.
