MINNEAPOLIS — Two ride-sharing startups are seeking an infusion of cash from Minneapolis residents as Uber and Lyft prepare to leave the city.
MOOV and Drively both have GoFundMe pages.
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“MOOV is more than just a project. It’s a mission to revolutionize the way we look at urban mobility in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Paul aims to make it fairer for drivers and more accessible for riders. ” the company said.
MOOV writes that whether Uber and Lyft pull out of the Twin Cities as planned on May 1, they will pay drivers better wages and bring innovation to the industry.
Black-owned Drively, on the other hand, “offers affordable transportation solutions focused on families, special services for parents, and higher wages for independent contractors.” ” said Sade Robinson.
Uber and Lyft to withdraw
Unless the city council backs down, which is likely, the Twin Cities will be the only metropolitan area in the U.S. without Uber.
“We’re disappointed that the council ignored the data and forced Uber out of the Twin Cities, leaving 10,000 people jobless and many stranded,” said Josh Gold, Uber’s senior director of communications. told Patch.
“However, by working with all stakeholders – drivers, passengers, and state leaders – we are working to ensure drivers receive a fair minimum wage, protect their independence, and keep ridesharing affordable and inclusive.” We know that we can achieve state-wide legislation that is achievable.”
A bill passed earlier this month would require drivers to receive $1.40 per mile and 51 cents per minute for all portions of their rides within Minneapolis. Supporters say the rate is closest to the city’s $15.57 minimum wage.
Additionally, the bill requires annual raises based on the city’s minimum wage. Drivers can also expect 80 percent of the fare if the trip is canceled while the trip has already begun.
The median income for drivers in the metropolitan area is $13.63, and 25% of drivers in the metropolitan area make less than $10.54 an hour, according to state labor statistics.
“This is a David and Goliath story,” City Councilor Robin Wansley said shortly after the vote.
“Uber and Lyft want us to believe that they are untouchable and cannot fix the status quo that exploits their workers. Today’s vote shows that all of this is simply a matter of political will. It has been shown that.”
Last year, Gov. Tim Walz vetoed a similar bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature, saying it was not ready for passage.
“This bill would make Minnesota one of the most expensive states in the nation for ride-sharing, potentially putting it on par with ride-sharing prices in New York City and Seattle, cities with dramatically higher costs of living than Minnesota. Yes,” Walz told state lawmakers. at that time.
The state bill would have required drivers to pay at least $5 per trip, or at least $1.45 per mile and 34 cents per minute in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
KSTP reports that Walz and the state Democratic Party are currently working on a more modest proposal.
