Views from the other side of ride-sharing
]I think the writer of the Jan. 11 letter, ““Uber has (once again) managed to skirt responsible actions,” is ill-informed about Uber, and needs to have more facts than opinions.
The police do not track assaults by where they happen, whether it is in a taxi, Uber, or limo. There is no data to compare reports against Uber drivers versus taxi drivers. In some areas Uber is safer than taxis than in other areas. I believe Volusia County is one of those safer areas.
There are plenty of stories of taxi drivers committing violent crimes.
Uber does do a background check and will not accept drivers with a criminal history or who have pending charges. They use a private company, which checks courthouse records on the local, state, and federal levels. No background check is perfect, whether it is for a taxi, limo, Uber or Lyft driver. But it is a fact they do the checks.
A driver must also have proof of a clean driving record, insurance, and a valid driver’s license.
Uber does provide liability insurance when there is a passenger in the car. They do not cover the driver or car if their vehicle is empty, but does the passenger really care? I doubt it. They are covered as long as they are in the vehicle.
And an Uber driver can not be “flagged down.” The app must be used. So if you see an Uber car sitting in a parking lot, he is waiting to be called. I have seen cab drivers do the same.
Lori Ream
Port Orange
By the rules
It is so unfortunate when someone writes a letter when they don’t have their information correct. Such is the case with a recent letter about Uber requirements.
I drive for Uber/Lyft. I couldn’t start driving until I showed them proof that I had my own insurance, which was acceptable and integrates with the insurance they provide free of charge. That insurance covers our passengers when the app is turned on. We are not required to buy commercial insurance, which the letter writer says costs $200-$300 per month. My personal insurance company knows I do ride-sharing and charges me an extra $10 a month because of it.
When I was approved, they did a background check, as they have done on each of the other drivers I have met.
I’m sorry that our business has hurt the cab drivers, but as every industry changes, there are always problems for someone. That’s life. We have expenses, as the cab drivers do — ours includes gas and oil, car repairs, wash jobs and yes, insurance.
Maybe the taxi industry should catch uo with the times. We’re both providing a service. Let’s get along.
Fred Vanderlaan
Port Orange
Nation’s foundation
I have tried to remain silent and keep my pen on my desk when it comes to our current president. His latest remarks, though, prompt me to respond. What is he thinking when he insults the very people who need to live here where they can raise their families without the fear and hardships that they have in their native lands? Do the people of Norway need us? Of course not! Americans are primarily descendants of people who came to this country as immigrants. As I read about his latest crude and insensitive remarks, my mind went immediately to, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...” It is a sad day for us when our leader has no comprehension of that message.
Anne Myers
South Daytona