Californians On Their Own - Uber And Lyft Pull Out Of The State Over New Laws

Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. are preparing to suspend their ride-hailing services in California beginning on Friday morning unless an appeals court rules at the last minute they cannot be forced to treat their drivers as employees, rather than independent contractors.

Lyft, in a blog post Thursday, said it would suspend its California operations at midnight.

Uber, in a blog post, said it would have to temporarily shut down unless the appeals court intervenes.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/20/2020 4:02:26 PM

+3 Boost

I have never taken a ride in any ride sharing vehicle. I prefer someone with a license and commercial insurance from a reputable company. I go with AeroFleet when travelling on business and want a limo to and from the airport and use Beck Taxi when I need a cab ride when I am downtown.

carloslassiter - 8/20/2020 4:24:27 PM

+6 Boost

I've used both these guys hundreds of times without issue. You can't beat the convenience vs traditional cabs, most of which are filthy, disgusting and have no shock absorbers.

MDarringer - 8/21/2020 8:48:15 AM

+2 Boost

And then you get into a wreck and their car insurance does not cover you because their insurance does not cover the commercial use of the vehicle.

Section_31_JTK - 8/20/2020 5:19:08 PM

+1 Boost

The People's Republic of California has screwed over the small businessman once again. I've met many an Uber driver who told me they were making good money on the side. Now these people are SOL. This is what liberals do. Screw over the little guy while telling them it's good for them.

Agent009 - 8/20/2020 5:43:34 PM

+2 Boost

I did a little research on the law...

Technically the 16 year old you hire as a baby sitter once a month is illegal unless you pay for unemployment, insurance and state taxes. Same for the kid that mows your yard.

Now there is a loop hole if your kid runs a lemonade stand by herself she is cool. BUT if she has a sibling help the stand needs to provide insurance, pay taxes and provide for unemployment for the sibling.

Yeah we thought this through really well.

PUGPROUD - 8/20/2020 5:55:42 PM

+2 Boost

@agent009...insanity!

MDarringer - 8/20/2020 6:02:41 PM

-1 Boost

@Section #bullshit Uber and Lyft are taking advantage of people. #GoodRiddance

Section_31_JTK - 8/20/2020 6:43:20 PM

+2 Boost

MD so now we'll have to pay $100 for a ride to the airport in a stinky beat up Crown Vic driven by a surly ex-con, instead of being shuttled in a clean car with a polite driver for $40. They may be taking advantage to a degree, but California is ridiculous for employment law. There needs to be a middle ground.

supermoto - 8/20/2020 6:46:18 PM

+1 Boost

Every single driver for Uber and Lyft willingly signed up as a contractor. Now they're all out of jobs. Thanks Democrats!

SanJoseDriver - 8/20/2020 7:48:18 PM

+2 Boost

Appeals court gave Uber and Lyft an extension, but I agree this whole situation is ridiculous. Planatir, a $20 billion company about to IPO just announced they are moving to Colorado. More companies will follow if CA doesn't chill out.

deaHelkcunK - 8/21/2020 8:08:13 AM

+2 Boost

..and this is the critical thinking that made me leave the formerly great state of California. Surrender it to the brain injured and move along...
Common Sense
1776-2020
R.I.P.

MDarringer - 8/21/2020 8:48:31 AM

0 Boost

California got this one right.