CA drivers can unionize, a passenger can't get a ride and riders pay with cash. LegalRideshare breaks it down.
Drivers in California can now unionize. LA Times reported:
Gov. Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers on Friday announced a landmark deal with Uber and Lyft to allow hundreds of thousands of rideshare drivers to unionize and bargain collectively while still being classified as independent contractors.
The compromise between labor unions and the Silicon Valley companies, backed by Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire, would advance a collective bargaining bill through the Legislature along with a bill backed by Uber and Lyft that would significantly reduce the companies' insurance requirements.
With support from Rivas and McGuire, both bills are expected to sail through the Legislature before the session ends in mid-September. The agreement does not apply to other types of gig workers, including those who deliver food through apps like DoorDash.
Currently, the companies must carry $1 million in coverage per rideshare driver for accidents caused by other drivers who are uninsured or underinsured. The companies have argued that current insurance requirements are so high that they encourage litigation for insurance payouts and create higher costs for passengers.
The agreement instead calls for $60,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per rideshare driver and $300,000 per accident.
A Chicago woman get can't rides. CBS New reported:
Becca Shrier relies on Uber to get around, only she said it's nearly impossible to find a car that will pick her up where she can reach it.
“I have been fighting for five months to be picked up on my side of the street,” she said.
Shrier uses a cane to get around, and can only stand for short periods of time.
She said, when she calls an Uber, she is only able to message a driver about her disability after arranging a ride, and most times the driver doesn't adjust their pickup spot.
Pace said it was not aware of others with this issue, and Uber did not respond with an official statement, even after CBS News Chicago spoke with company representatives on the phone and via email.
Riders can now pay with cash. San Francisco Chronicle reported:
To use the feature, riders must confirm their account is verified in the “Account” section of the Uber app. When requesting a trip, they can select “Cash” under payment options. At the end of the ride, the fare is paid directly to the driver.
Uber recommends bringing smaller bills, because drivers may not always carry change. If a rider overpays, the extra amount will be credited as Uber Cash to use on future rides or Uber Eats orders. If a fare isn't fully paid, the balance must be cleared in the app before another trip can be booked.
There are limits. Cash rides are not available between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and the option cannot be used for scheduled trips through Uber Reserve. Riders also can't change destinations or add stops mid-trip when paying with cash. Tips aren't supported in the app for these rides, but passengers can give drivers cash directly.
LegalRideshare is the first law firm in the United States to focus exclusively on Uber®, Lyft®, robotaxis, Waymo, and gig worker accidents and injuries. Consultations are always free.