Ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft are planning to hit the brakes on their Minneapolis operations starting May 1, in response to new city regulations. The move comes after the Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance skirting higher pay for drivers — a mandate which both companies are not on board. Mayor Jacob Frey took a stand with a veto on March 8, only to be overridden by the council on March 14. With no other transportation network companies stepping up to fill the void, Minneapolis ridesharing could be in for a rough patch, according to Minneapolis, City of Lakes.
For those seeking clarity or to voice their opinions, the city dispatch advises contacting local council members. Meanwhile, Mayor Frey's reaction to the council's decision can be streamed for the public eye. As the situation unfolds, Minneapolis officials, including the mayor, are set to convene with various industry stakeholders. The list includes the airport and hospitality sectors, disability advocates, and Metro Transit, among others, to gauge the broader impact of this contentious decision.
With ride-hailing apps planning their exit, Minneapolis commuters need not fret as other transport modes are available. Metro Transit continues to offer its services with buses, light rail, and commuter trains. Moreover, commuters who opt for carpooling, vanpooling, walking, or biking have additional resources at their disposal, as per the Minneapolis, City of Lakes.
For those with accessibility needs, Metro Mobility assures to provide shared rides for individuals who are unable to utilize regular fixed-route buses owing to disability or health conditions. Furthermore, a roster of taxi firms are licensed for pick-ups in Minneapolis. This includes ABC, All Somali Community of Worldwide Services, Blue & White, Express, Rainbow, and Red & White cabs. As the Uber and Lyft saga speeds along, the city pledges to keep residents in the loop with ongoing updates.
