Uber prepares for a State House fight with a petition for its users
Uber is rallying its troops—the people who use it.
Ahead of a forthcoming legislative standoff over how to regulate ride-hailing services in Massachusetts, the company is distributing a petition to its users in Boston, asking them to speak out against one proposed bill to govern the services.
Services like Uber and Lyft consider the bill more restrictive than another bill proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker earlier this year.
The bill, proposed by State Rep. Michael Moran and Sen. Linda Dorcena-Forry, would require drivers to undergo fingerprint-based background checks and obtain commercial insurance. Uber and Lyft utilize their own background check systems, and the companies cover drivers at a commercial rate while rides are in progress.
When a user signs the Uber petition online, a letter is sent to state legislators, asking them to oppose the bill.
Uber and Lyft have voiced support for Baker’s separate bill, which would put statewide oversight on the services. Baker’s vision of things like insurance and background checks are more in line with those of the companies.
Taxi groups, which have called for Uber and Lyft to be regulated like the cab industry, have spoken against Baker’s proposal and in favor of the legislators’ plan.
Uber has used petitions and social media campaigns in the past, including in Massachusetts, to fight proposed regulations. Last month, in New York City, Uber circulated a petition against a proposal from officials to cap the number of drivers for the service in the city.
“It’s something our riders, partners, and supporters have as a tool to ensure their voices are heard,’’ said Taylor Bennett, an Uber spokesman. “We use the signatures to demonstrate the incredible reactions we get.’’
On Monday, cab drivers in Cambridge protested against ride-hailing services, calling on the city to regulate them the same way they regulate the taxi industry.
State leaders are expected to begin taking up ride-sharing regulations in the fall.
Hey, remember the Big Dig?
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