Cab Drivers Fight Back Against PPA's DNC Deal With Uber
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Allen, an UberX driver, picked us up on the corner of 16th and Spring Garden. "I have a lot of time on my hands so my wife suggested this and it's been working out well," Allen said.
He's been driving with Uber for the past year, but it wasn't until last week that UberX got a pass from the Philadelphia Parking Authority to legally drive in Philadelphia as the city prepares for convention visitors amid SEPTA train shortages.
UberX has been the exception in many ways. They have been operating, essentially illegally, without the same permits or regulations as taxi drivers. However, through September 30, the PPA will look the other way as long as Uber pays past due fines.
Cab companies have now filed a motion to stop this temporary agreement, including that UberX is not required to find handicapped accessible rides, but that taxi dispatchers are. "UberX takes over the business and no one wants to drive handicapped cars because they don't make money," one cab driver said.
Uber can provide wheel chair accessible vans upon request.
The question now brought to courts, does the PPA have the authority to make an agreement with UberX and possibily, Lyft?
For Allen...
"It doesn't impact me," he said. He's just ready to open up his back seat to dignitaries and delegates. "I'm excited who I might get in my car. I've got a few things to say to them."
