BREAKING NEWS
Waymo's robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los Angeles
Read full article: Waymo's robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los AngelesWaymo on Tuesday opened its robotaxi service to anyone who wants a ride around Los Angeles, marking another milestone in the evolution of self-driving car technology since the company began as a secret project at Google 15 years ago.
Alcaraz clinches Laver Cup for Team Europe in 13-11 victory over Team World
Read full article: Alcaraz clinches Laver Cup for Team Europe in 13-11 victory over Team WorldFour-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame Taylor Fritz in the deciding match as Team Europe rallied to beat Team World 13-11 and win the Laver Cup.
Laver Cup is 2-2 after Fritz and Shelton win doubles from Alcaraz and Zverev
Read full article: Laver Cup is 2-2 after Fritz and Shelton win doubles from Alcaraz and ZverevAmerican pair Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have edged Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev in doubles to tie the Laver Cup after the first day in Berlin.
Uber to dispatch Waymo's robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta next year
Read full article: Uber to dispatch Waymo's robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta next yearRide-hailing leader Uber on Friday announced it will dispatch robotaxis built by driverless technology pioneer Waymo beginning next year in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta in a deal that deepens the bond between once-bitter rivals.
Dutch watchdog fines Uber $324 million for alleged inadequate protection of drivers' data
Read full article: Dutch watchdog fines Uber $324 million for alleged inadequate protection of drivers' dataThe Dutch data protection watchdog has slapped a 290 million euro ($324 million) fine on ride-hailing service Uber for allegedly transferring personal details of European drivers to the United States without adequate protection.
Cruise will dispatch some of its trouble-ridden robotaxis to join Uber's ride-hailing service
Read full article: Cruise will dispatch some of its trouble-ridden robotaxis to join Uber's ride-hailing serviceCruise’s trouble-ridden robotaxis are on the road to joining Uber’s ride-hailing service next year as part of a multiyear partnership bringing together two companies that once appeared poised to compete for passengers.
Uber and Lyft agree to pay drivers $32.50 per hour in Massachusetts settlement
Read full article: Uber and Lyft agree to pay drivers $32.50 per hour in Massachusetts settlementMassachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell says drivers for Uber and Lyft will earn a minimum pay standard of $32.50 per hour under a settlement.
Uber and Lyft say they won't leave Minnesota after all — and drivers are getting a raise
Read full article: Uber and Lyft say they won't leave Minnesota after all — and drivers are getting a raiseUber and Lyft announced they will keep operating in Minnesota, now that state lawmakers have passed a measure that will increase driver pay to a level the companies can accept.
Uber is helping investigators look into account that sent driver to Ohio home where she was killed
Read full article: Uber is helping investigators look into account that sent driver to Ohio home where she was killedThe ride-hailing company Uber says it's banned an account that sent a driver to the Ohio home where an 81-year-old man allegedly shot the woman to death.
Ohio man fatally shot Uber driver after scam phone calls targeted both of them, authorities say
Read full article: Ohio man fatally shot Uber driver after scam phone calls targeted both of them, authorities sayAn Ohio man who authorities say fatally shot an Uber driver he thought was trying to rob him after scam phone calls deceived them both has been indicted on a murder charge.
Here’s what we know about Uber and Lyft’s planned exit from Minneapolis in May
Read full article: Here’s what we know about Uber and Lyft’s planned exit from Minneapolis in MayThe future of Uber and Lyft in Minneapolis has garnered concern and debate in recent weeks after the City Council voted last month to require that ride-hailing companies pay drivers a higher rate while they are within city limits.
Failed Australian rideshare app accuses Uber of illegally operating service to gain unfair advantage
Read full article: Failed Australian rideshare app accuses Uber of illegally operating service to gain unfair advantageA failed Australian taxi-industry disruptor has told a court that Uber began illegally operating its ridesharing service in Australia a decade ago to gain an unfair advantage over competitors.
Things to know about Uber and Lyft saying they will halt ride-hailing services in Minneapolis
Read full article: Things to know about Uber and Lyft saying they will halt ride-hailing services in MinneapolisLyft and Uber have said they will halt operations in Minneapolis because of a new city ordinance that increases wages for app-based drivers.
Lyft and Uber say they will leave Minneapolis after city council forces them to pay drivers more
Read full article: Lyft and Uber say they will leave Minneapolis after city council forces them to pay drivers moreLyft and Uber say they will cease operations in Minneapolis after the city’s council voted Thursday to override a mayoral veto and require ride-hailing services to increase driver wages to the equivalent of the local hourly minimum wage of $15.57.
Date night strike: Thousands of US, UK delivery, ride-hailing drivers stop work on Valentine's Day
Read full article: Date night strike: Thousands of US, UK delivery, ride-hailing drivers stop work on Valentine's DayThousands of ride-hailing and delivery workers in the U.S. and the U.K. went on strike on Valentine's Day in an effort to win better pay.
New rule tightens worker classification standards; Uber, Lyft say their drivers won't be affected
Read full article: New rule tightens worker classification standards; Uber, Lyft say their drivers won't be affectedThe Biden administration has enacted a new labor rule that aims to prevent the misclassification of workers as “independent contractors,” a step that could bolster both legal protections and compensation for millions in the U.S. workforce.
A Jacksonville woman was waiting for an Uber when she was shot multiple times. Somehow, she survived
Read full article: A Jacksonville woman was waiting for an Uber when she was shot multiple times. Somehow, she survivedA woman who was shot several times in the back in Northwest Jacksonville is recovering after the scary incident.
Ohio couple in town for MNF game say they got Uber ride from former Jaguars employee accused of stealing $22M from team
Read full article: Ohio couple in town for MNF game say they got Uber ride from former Jaguars employee accused of stealing $22M from teamAmit Patel, the former financial planning manager for the Jacksonville Jaguars accused of stealing more than $22 million from the franchise, is an Uber driver in Jacksonville, a man who spoke to News4JAX said.
Jacksonville airport parking ‘completely full,’ alternative transportation recommended
Read full article: Jacksonville airport parking ‘completely full,’ alternative transportation recommendedThere are no more places to park at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), the airport announced Friday morning.
‘Such a gentle soul’: Mother of innocent Uber driver killed during gang hit asks community for help
Read full article: ‘Such a gentle soul’: Mother of innocent Uber driver killed during gang hit asks community for helpThe heartbroken mother of a man gunned down while driving for Uber opened up to News4JAX about how his death has affected their family.
Uber and Lyft to pay $328 million to settle dispute over taxes and fees paid by New York drivers
Read full article: Uber and Lyft to pay $328 million to settle dispute over taxes and fees paid by New York driversRide-hailing companies Uber and Lyft will pay a combined $328 million to settle complaints that they improperly saddled their New York drivers with taxes and fees that should have been been paid by passengers.
Woman shot while waiting for Uber in Northwest Jacksonville: police
Read full article: Woman shot while waiting for Uber in Northwest Jacksonville: policeA woman in her late 30s was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds Monday morning after she was shot while waiting for an Uber in Northwest Jacksonville.
Apple says it will fix software problems blamed for making iPhone 15 models too hot to handle
Read full article: Apple says it will fix software problems blamed for making iPhone 15 models too hot to handleApple is blaming a software bug and other issues tied to popular apps such as Instagram and Uber for causing its recently released iPhone 15 models to heat up and spark complaints about becoming too hot to handle.
The backup driver in the 1st death by a fully autonomous car pleads guilty to endangerment
Read full article: The backup driver in the 1st death by a fully autonomous car pleads guilty to endangermentThe backup Uber driver involved in the first death involving a fully autonomous vehicle has pleaded guilty to endangerment.
Ascension St. Vincent’s ending free shuttle service, riders concerned how they’ll access medical care
Read full article: Ascension St. Vincent’s ending free shuttle service, riders concerned how they’ll access medical careSeniors who live in retirement communities in Riverside are concerned about accessing medical care after learning Ascension St. Vincent’s is ending its free shuttle service.
Minnesota governor vetoes Uber/Lyft driver pay raise bill, citing cost and service concerns
Read full article: Minnesota governor vetoes Uber/Lyft driver pay raise bill, citing cost and service concernsGov. Tim Walz has vetoed a bill that would have mandated higher pay and job security for Lyft and Uber drivers in Minnesota.
Waymo, Uber set aside past rift over self-driving car technology to team up on robotaxis in Phoenix
Read full article: Waymo, Uber set aside past rift over self-driving car technology to team up on robotaxis in PhoenixSelf-driving car pioneer Waymo is teaming up with ride-hailing leader Uber in the Phoenix area to transport passengers and deliver food in robotic cars that triggered a bitter technological dispute between the two companies.
Ex-Uber security chief sentenced for data-breach cover-up
Read full article: Ex-Uber security chief sentenced for data-breach cover-upThe former chief security officer for Uber has been sentenced to probation for trying to cover up a 2016 data breach in which hackers accessed tens of millions of customer records from the ride-hailing service.
Lyft to pick up new CEO amid deepening post-pandemic losses
Read full article: Lyft to pick up new CEO amid deepening post-pandemic lossesLyft co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer are relinquishing their leadership roles to make way for a former Amazon executive as the ride-hailing service struggles to recover from the pandemic while long-time rival Uber has been regaining its momentum.
Companies pledge millions in fed effort to stem road deaths
Read full article: Companies pledge millions in fed effort to stem road deathsNearly 50 businesses and nonprofits including rideshare companies Uber and Lyft and industrial giant 3M are pledging millions of dollars in initiatives to stem a crisis in road fatalities under a new federal effort.
DUI crash survivor who lost brother, unborn twins now pays for NYE Uber rides for others
Read full article: DUI crash survivor who lost brother, unborn twins now pays for NYE Uber rides for othersA woman who lost her brother and her unborn twins in a DUI crash is turning her pain into action. This is her second year of paying for Uber rides for those who had too much to drink and should not be behind the wheel on New Year's Eve.
Labor proposal could upend rules for gig workers, companies
Read full article: Labor proposal could upend rules for gig workers, companiesThe U.S. Department of Labor is publishing a new proposal on how workers should be classified saying that thousands of people have been incorrectly labeled as contractors rather than employees, potentially curtailing access to benefits and protections they rightfully deserve.
Former Uber security chief guilty of data breach coverup
Read full article: Former Uber security chief guilty of data breach coverupThe former chief security officer for Uber has been convicted of trying to cover up a 2016 data breach in which hackers accessed millions of customer records from the ride-hailing service.
Report: Uber lobbied, used 'stealth' tech to block scrutiny
Read full article: Report: Uber lobbied, used 'stealth' tech to block scrutinyAs Uber pushed into markets around the world, the ride-sharing service lobbied political leaders to relax labor and taxi laws and used a “kill switch″ to thwart regulators and law enforcement.
EU plan to boost gig economy workers is latest blow to apps
Read full article: EU plan to boost gig economy workers is latest blow to appsA new European Union plan to improve conditions for the growing number of gig economy workers could mean millions more of them are classified as employees entitled to benefits.
US sues Uber, saying wait fees discriminate against disabled
Read full article: US sues Uber, saying wait fees discriminate against disabledThe federal government is suing Uber saying it discriminates against disabled people by charging fees when drivers have to wait for passengers to board their vehicles.
Judge: California ride-hailing law is unconstitutional
Read full article: Judge: California ride-hailing law is unconstitutionalA judge has struck down California’s ballot measure that exempted Uber and other companies from a state law requiring their drivers to be classified as employees eligible for benefits and job protections.
A new reason to swipe right? Dating apps adding vax badges
Read full article: A new reason to swipe right? Dating apps adding vax badgesThe White House is pushing a new reason to swipe right: Dating apps are starting to offer vaccination badges and “super swipes” for people who've gotten their coronavirus shots.
Uber to give UK drivers minimum wage, pension, holiday pay
Read full article: Uber to give UK drivers minimum wage, pension, holiday payUber is giving its U.K. drivers the minimum wage, pensions and holiday pay, following a recent court ruling that said they should be classified as workers and entitled to such benefits, the company announced Tuesday, March 16, 2021. And they said the company can't decide by itself the expense base for calculating the minimum wage, which should be based on a collective agreement. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)LONDON – Uber is giving its U.K. drivers the minimum wage, pensions and holiday pay, following a recent court ruling that said they should be classified as workers and entitled to such benefits. The ride hailing giant's announcement Tuesday comes after it lost an appeal last month at the U.K. Supreme Court following a yearslong court battle. And they said the company can't decide by itself the expense base for calculating the minimum wage, which should be based on a collective agreement.
Uber, Lyft team up on database to expose abusive drivers
Read full article: Uber, Lyft team up on database to expose abusive driversUber and Lyft have teamed up to create a database of drivers ousted from their ride-hailing services for complaints about sexual assault and other crimes that have raised passenger-safety concerns for years. The clearinghouse unveiled Thursday, March 11, will initially list drivers expelled by the ride-hailing rivals in the U.S. The clearinghouse unveiled Thursday will initially list drivers expelled by the ride-hailing rivals in the U.S. It could also help appease U.S. lawmakers, who have criticized Uber and Lyft in the past for inadequate safety protections for their riders. After Uber rebuffed the request to protect the victims' privacy, the agency slapped the company with a $59 million fine.
Gig economy shifts: Spain makes delivery riders employees
Read full article: Gig economy shifts: Spain makes delivery riders employeesDelivery riders protest outside the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Wednesday March 3, 2021.The Spanish government announced on Thursday March 11, 2021, legislation that classifies food delivery riders as employees of the digital platforms they work for, not self-employed. (AP Photo/Paul White)MADRID – The Spanish government on Thursday announced legislation that classifies food delivery riders as employees of the digital platforms they work for, not self-employed, in a legal change that could have far-reaching consequences for Spanish businesses. She described the rule on disclosing how the digital systems work as “epic,” saying it “neutralizes algorithmic punishments.”AdThe legal changes are the latest affecting companies and workers in the gig economy. The Spanish government agreed on the new law with the country’s main business groups and trade union confederations. AdThe legislation was drawn up after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled last September that food delivery riders are employees, not self-employed workers, in a case brought by a former rider for Glovo.
UK top court gives Uber drivers benefits in landmark ruling
Read full article: UK top court gives Uber drivers benefits in landmark rulingThe U.K. Supreme Court ruled Friday that Uber drivers should be classed as workers and not self employed. The ruling that the drivers should be classed as “workers” and not self-employed is a big defeat for the ride-hailing giant. The seven Supreme Court judges who heard the case unanimously rejected Uber's appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that two Uber drivers were “workers" under British law. AdSan Francisco-based Uber, which has 65,000 active drivers and 5 million regular users in the U.K., had argued that Aslam and Farrar were independent contractors. AdThe British judges on Friday cited a number of factors in their decision: Uber sets fares and contract terms and penalizes drivers who reject or cancel rides.
Uber's 4Q loss narrows, raising hopes for pandemic recovery
Read full article: Uber's 4Q loss narrows, raising hopes for pandemic recoveryIn 2020, the ride-hailing service was forced to rely more heavily on its food-delivery service. But analysts believe Uber’s pioneering ride-hailing service will also eventually bounce back as more people are vaccinated against COVID-19. He also predicted that Uber's losses may evaporate by the end of this year. The company’s ride-hailing service brought in revenue of $1.48 billion in the quarter, a 52% drop from the prior year. Meanwhile, revenue in Uber's food-delivery service more than tripled from the previous year to $1.37 billion.
California court rejects lawsuit challenging ride-share vote
Read full article: California court rejects lawsuit challenging ride-share voteFILE - In this Jan. 12, 2016, file photo, a ride-share car displays Lyft and Uber stickers on its front windshield in downtown Los Angeles. The California Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to the ballot measure that kept app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections. The court on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, declined to hear the case brought by drivers and unions who had opposed the measure. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)LOS ANGELES – The California Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit Wednesday that sought to overturn a ballot measure that makes app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections. “We’re thankful, but not surprised, that the California Supreme Court has rejected this meritless lawsuit,” said Jim Pyatt, a Modesto retiree who drives for Uber, in a statement from a group that supports Proposition 22.
Uber will bring the booze after acquiring Drizly for $1.1B
Read full article: Uber will bring the booze after acquiring Drizly for $1.1BThe mobile ride-hailing company said Tuesday that it is acquiring the alcohol-delivery platform Drizly for $1.1 billion in stock and cash. Uber expects more than 90% of the sum to be paid to Drizly stockholders in shares of Uber common stock and the remainder paid in cash. Shares in San Francisco-based Uber jumped 7% in afternoon trading, to $56.42. U.S. alcohol online sales jumped 553% in April, according to NielsenIQ. AdThe acquisition gives Uber access to an established player in that space, which could be a leg up in the fiercely competitive food delivery market.
Maine company successfully launches prototype rocket
Read full article: Maine company successfully launches prototype rocketThis Jan. 31, 2021 image provided by bluShift Aerospace shows The Knack Factory in Limestone, Maine, where an unmanned rocket lifts off in a test run. It was the first commercial rocket launch in Maine history. (bluShift Aerospace via AP)BRUNSWICK, Maine – A Maine company that's developing a rocket to propel small satellites into space passed its first major test on Sunday. It’s carbon neutral.”AdThe goal is to create a small rocket that could launch a 30-kilogram (66-pound) payload into low-Earth orbit, more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) above Earth's surface. An attempted test launch in Limestone earlier in January was postponed because of weather.
Some Uber, Lyft drivers sue over California ballot measure
Read full article: Some Uber, Lyft drivers sue over California ballot measureThe measure, which was passed in November with 58% support, was the most expensive in state history with Uber, Lyft and other services pouring $200 million in support of it. “Generally speaking, courts in California don't like to overturn the will of the people,” Moylan said. There are instances where the California courts have come in and said ... it's nice that this is what the people wanted to do, but our constitution doesn't permit the people to do this." The law expanded a California Supreme Court ruling that limited businesses from classifying certain workers as independent contractors. Another claim in the lawsuit alleges the measure violates a rule limiting ballot measures to a single subject.
Farah & Farah offers free rides it in Jacksonville, St. Augustine on NYE
Read full article: Farah & Farah offers free rides it in Jacksonville, St. Augustine on NYEThe personal injury law firm Farah & Farah announced the return of Farah Free NYE Rides. Holiday party-goers in Jacksonville and St. Augustine can count on Farah & Farah for a free ride to and from their celebrations via a $50 Lyft credit, or a cab ride within a 40-mile radius via Clean Taxi and zTrip. Click here to claim a free voucherThe Farah Free NYE Rides credit will be available on Thursday, December 31, starting at 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Residents of Jacksonville and St. Augustine are encouraged to claim their free voucher at FarahandFarah.com/NYE and to share this opportunity to get home safe and sound (for free) with their local friends and family. “Despite the pandemic, millions of Floridians will be on the roads this New Year’s Eve, and our goal is to help keep them safe,” said Eddie Farah, founder, and managing partner at Farah & Farah.
Uber seeks quick access to COVID-19 vaccines for drivers
Read full article: Uber seeks quick access to COVID-19 vaccines for driversTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Saying drivers and delivery people have been a “lifeline to their communities,” Uber’s chief executive officer on Thursday asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to prioritize the COVID-19 vaccine for the online platform’s workers. They have transported healthcare workers to hospitals, delivered food to people socially distancing at home, and helped local restaurants stay in business,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi wrote in a letter to DeSantis. “And while earlier this year Uber committed to funding 10 million free rides and deliveries for healthcare workers, seniors, and people in need, it was ultimately drivers and delivery people who made it happen. In the letter, Khosrowshahi said Uber can use its technology to disseminate information about vaccinations and help with driving people to get vaccinated.
Uber's food delivery business outshines core rides service
Read full article: Uber's food delivery business outshines core rides serviceUber's food delivery business brought in more money during the third quarter than its signature rides business, showing just how much consumer behavior has changed — and how far the company has adapted — since the pandemic struck. Uber brought in $3.13 billion in revenue, down 18% from the same time last year. Despite the decline, the rides business showed improvement from the second quarter, when it brought in just $790 million. Uber’s food delivery business also brought in more revenue than its rides business in the second quarter, when demand for rides was even lower due to the pandemic. However, its rides business was more profitable than delivery.
Ride-hailing, delivery giants win fight against labor law
Read full article: Ride-hailing, delivery giants win fight against labor lawUber, Lyft, Doordash, Instacart and others sought to get out of those requirements, and after failing in court, succeeded in convincing voters to give them an exemption from most of the year-old law’s provisions. A record $200 million spending spree by the companies and their supporters helped them win the vote. The investment yielded a huge return for Uber and Lyft, whose combined market value climbed by $10 billion on Wednesday. Uber told its drivers the company would let drivers know how to enroll in benefits in the next few weeks. “It’s not really fair that Uber, Lyft etc.
Uber, Lyft spend big, win in California vote about drivers
Read full article: Uber, Lyft spend big, win in California vote about driversFILE - In this Aug. 20, 2020, file photo travelers request an Uber ride at Los Angeles International Airport's LAX-it pick up terminal. A California ballot measure that would exempt Uber, Lyft and other app-based delivery drivers from being classified as company employees eligible for benefits and job protections led Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, in early vote counts. San Francisco-based Uber and Lyft had threatened to pull out of California if they lost. Opponents said the companies exploit drivers to keep profits high and the ballot measure would deprive workers of rights like overtime pay and workers’ compensation. Supporters said the measure would allow drivers to maintain the freedom to work hours they choose and would provide other benefits.
Asia tracks Wall St rally as markets shrug at election limbo
Read full article: Asia tracks Wall St rally as markets shrug at election limboThe benchmark index had gained 3.5% before the market lost some of its momentum toward the end of the day. The Shanghai Composite index rose 0.6% to 3,297.34. But after a tumultuous overnight session in global markets where Trump prematurely declared victory, markets acted as if the occupant of the White House might be secondary. It may take days for a winner of the White House to emerge, and professional investors say they’re bracing for sharp market swings in the meantime. Stocks tend to rise regardless of which party controls the White House.
Across the country: 5 noteworthy ballot measures that deserve some attention
Read full article: Across the country: 5 noteworthy ballot measures that deserve some attentionTo see what exactly the ballot measures are in each state, click or tap here. Below are five noteworthy initiatives we thought we’d mention from across the country. Mississippi’s flag redesignThe state Legislature in June eliminated the old state flag that had the Confederate battle emblem, which was widely thought of as racist. California’s app-based driving proposalThis initiative will decide whether app-based transportation and delivery drivers are classified as independent contractors or as employees. Colorado’s abortion banThis is a ballot initiative that will likely draw a lot of attention across the nation.
California court says Uber, Lyft drivers are employees
Read full article: California court says Uber, Lyft drivers are employeesSAN FRANCISCO – A California appeals court on Thursday upheld an order requiring Uber and Lyft to treat their California drivers as employees instead of independent contractors, less than two weeks before voters will be asked to exempt the ride-hailing giants from the state's gig economy law. Uber and Lyft — who along with DoorDash have heavily bankrolled the ballot measure — had appealed an August preliminary injunction by a San Francisco judge. Uber and Lyft issued statements noting that the ruling doesn't take immediate affect and urging voters to approve Prop. Treating Uber and Lyft drivers as employees instead of independent contractors would guarantee benefits such as overtime, sick leave and expense reimbursement for workers who make up much of the freewheeling gig economy. Lawyers for Uber and Lyft say drivers are not fundamental to the business, arguing the companies are “multi-sided platforms” whose activities encompass much more than transportation.
Uber, Lyft look to kill California law on app-based drivers
Read full article: Uber, Lyft look to kill California law on app-based driversVoters are being asked to decide via Proposition 22 whether to create an exemption to a new state law aimed at providing wage and benefit protections to Uber, Lyft and other app-based drivers. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)LOS ANGELES – Californians are being asked decide if Uber, Lyft and other app-based drivers should remain independent contractors or be eligible for the benefits that come with being company employees. Voters are weighing whether to create an exemption to a new state law aimed at providing wage and benefit protections to drivers. Uber and Lyft, both headquartered in San Francisco, have said they may leave the state if the measure fails. Uber and Lyft have maintained that their drivers meet the criteria to be independent contractors, not employees.
Uber gets 18-month London license after winning court appeal
Read full article: Uber gets 18-month London license after winning court appealLONDON – Uber can keep operating in London for another year and a half after winning its appeal of a decision by the British capital's transit regulator not to renew its license. The San Francisco-based ride-hailing company had challenged Transport for London’s decision in late 2019 not to renew its operating license over safety concerns involving impostor drivers. Uber’s London license has been revoked twice since 2017 but the company has been able to continue operating while it appealed. In the latest case, Transport for London rejected Uber’s application in November 2019 for a new license, citing several breaches that placed passengers at risk. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that while Uber has made improvements to get its license back, the company will still be closely scrutinized.
Asian stocks mixed after Wall St rally ahead of US debate
Read full article: Asian stocks mixed after Wall St rally ahead of US debateAsian stocks were mixed Tuesday after Wall Street recovered some of this month's losses as investors looked ahead to a debate between President Donald Trump and his challenger in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)TOKYO – Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday after Wall Street recovered some of this month's losses as investors looked ahead to a debate between President Donald Trump and his challenger in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden. Overnight, Wall Street's benchmark S&P 500 index gained 1.6%, led by big tech stocks. “With a reasonable polling lead, one could argue that Joe Biden has more to lose here than President Trump,” said Carnell. He said with some potential for gaffes or other colorful moments, the debate might be “cringe-worthy but unlikely to deliver an electoral car-crash for either side.”On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose to 3,351.60.
Ready to vote but need a ride? This company says it’s stepping in to help
Read full article: Ready to vote but need a ride? This company says it’s stepping in to helpAnd just like every election year, it’s of the utmost importance that citizens cast their ballot in this year’s election. If you’ve registered but are already concerned about how you will make it to a polling station, the ride-sharing company Uber wants to step in and lend a hand. As Election Day approaches, and as part of its “Get Out the Vote” campaign, the company aims to help people find their polling location, as well as offer discounted rides to and from the poll during early voting. “As we look ahead to this year’s election, we are committed to doing our part to make sure every citizen has access to vote,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said. Uber officials said as Election Day nears, people will begin to have access to important information in the app.
Uber to require that passengers provide face-mask selfies
Read full article: Uber to require that passengers provide face-mask selfiesSAN FRANCISCO Mask slackers will now have to provide photographic proof they're wearing a face covering before boarding an Uber. The mask verification rule expands upon a similar requirement that Uber imposed on its drivers in May to help reassure passengers worried about being exposed to the novel coronavirus that has upended society. The requirement will roll out in the U.S. and Canada later this month before coming to other parts of the world. The additional safety measures are part of Uber's ongoing efforts to rebuild a service that has seen ridership plunge this year. The adverse conditions caused the number of trips on Uber during its most recent quarter to plunge by 56% from the previous year.
California judge rules Uber, Lyft drivers are employees
Read full article: California judge rules Uber, Lyft drivers are employeesFILE- In this Jan. 31, 2018, file photo, a Lyft logo is installed on a Lyft driver's car next to an Uber sticker in Pittsburgh. On Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, a California judge ordered ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft to treat their drivers as employees, not contractors. Lawyers for Uber and Lyft say drivers are not fundamental to the business, arguing the companies are multi-sided platforms" whose activities encompass much more than transportation. Uber said it did not anticipate any immediate disruptions because of the ruling for its more than 100,000 drivers in California. "Ultimately, we believe this issue will be decided by California voters and that they will side with drivers, Lyft spokesperson Julie Wood said.
Tornado, virus, protests rattle Nashville rideshare economy
Read full article: Tornado, virus, protests rattle Nashville rideshare economyThen came what she calls Nashvilles quadruple-whammy: a tornado, coronavirus closures, protests that rocked downtown, then more closures. Bicknese says business has gone from dismal to tolerable, but only because so many drivers have voluntarily stayed home. Bicknese chose to keep driving because she didn't think she could make her car and insurance payments on unemployment. Then what happened is so many drivers filed for unemployment and stopped driving that demand came back," she said. Instead of well-heeled tourists, Bicknese finds herself driving people on unemployment, factory workers and patients travelling to medical appointments.
Uber buys Postmates in $2.65 billion all-stock deal
Read full article: Uber buys Postmates in $2.65 billion all-stock dealUber finally got its food delivery company, acquiring Postmates in a $2.65 billion all-stock deal, the ride-hailing giant confirmed Monday. Uber and its Uber Eats food-delivery division will gain ground against DoorDash, which controls about 37% of the U.S. food delivery market. That's compared with Uber Eats' 20% share before the Postmates deal. But Amsterdam-based Just Eat Takeaway.com ended up nabbing Chicago's Grubhub in a $7.3 billion deal. Uber was reportedly seeking to team Grubhub with its Uber Eats business.
Here are all the companies giving free food, products to health care workers
Read full article: Here are all the companies giving free food, products to health care workersRight about now is a great time to say thank-you to all the health care workers and people keeping us safe during this novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic. pic.twitter.com/e7Z8aRCtMt — Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) March 26, 2020People who identify as frontline workers in the health care industry can get a free tall brewed coffee. UberUber Health will provide transportation for front-line health care workers, both to and from patients’ homes, as well as between health care facilities, according to this news release. “In Europe and Latin America, we are working with public authorities to offer rides for health care workers to hospitals and their homes. KFCThis deal is for health care workers and normal people alike: free delivery!
Georgia lawmakers: Tighten internet sales tax collections
Read full article: Georgia lawmakers: Tighten internet sales tax collectionsATLANTA, Ga. – Georgia lawmakers have reached a deal to tighten sales tax collections by online businesses including Amazon, eBay and Airbnb. The measure is aimed at collecting sales taxes from third-party sellers whose commerce moves through online marketplaces. “There are no new taxes on anyone under this bill,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Hufstetler, a Rome Republican, told lawmakers. More revenue would ease decisions facing lawmakers, including midyear budget cuts ordered by Kemp and calls for another income tax cut and teacher pay raise. Georgia’s tax collections have lagged badly since the Republican-led legislature cut the state’s top income tax rate last year.
Uber stock hits new low as lockup period ends
Read full article: Uber stock hits new low as lockup period endsJustin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Uber shares fell to an all-time low Wednesday as its stock lockup period ends. The end of the lockup period, which comes 180 days after the company's lackluster IPO, means that insiders, including early investors and employees, are free to sell shares. Uber shares hit a record low of $25.58 when the market opened Wednesday after hitting a previous low of $27.97 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, as the lockup period expires, some of the company's drivers are planning to protest outside the homes and offices of some key Uber investors in California on Wednesday. The protest follows other driver strikes this year, both leading up to, and after, the company's IPO.
Goldman Sachs says US-China tariffs may have peaked
Read full article: Goldman Sachs says US-China tariffs may have peakedCNNMoney(CNN) - Global markets are climbing on optimism that a "phase one" US-China trade deal is within reach -- and that a rollback of existing tariffs could be part of the package. CNN's read: The United States is assessing current tariffs as it works to finalize "phase one" of a trade deal, officials told CNN, but no decisions have been made. Goldman Sachs told clients on Sunday that it believed tariffs have likely peaked, and new taxes planned for Dec. 15 would never take effect. "A US-China deal that substantially reduces US tariffs continues to look much less likely than an eventual breakdown in talks that leads to renewed tariff escalation," said Alec Phillips, Goldman's chief U.S. political economist. One bright spot: Uber posted revenue of $3.8 billion during the third quarter, a 30% increase compared to the previous year.
Uber loses more than $1 billion in third quarter
Read full article: Uber loses more than $1 billion in third quarterJustin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Uber is still reporting steep losses but its revenue growth is showing some promise. On Monday, the ride-hailing company reported it lost $1.16 billion during the third quarter including $401 million in stock-based compensation expenses related to its public offering in May. In the second quarter, it reported a staggering loss of $5.2 billion, about $3.9 billion of which was related to IPO expenses. There are some bright spots: Uber posted revenue of $3.8 billion during the quarter, a 30% increase from a year earlier. Revenue growth was just 12% in the second quarter compared to the year prior.
Uber lays off 350 more workers in last wave of cuts
Read full article: Uber lays off 350 more workers in last wave of cutsKTXL via CNN(CNN) - Uber laid off approximately 350 employees across several different teams on Monday, a spokesperson confirmed to CNN Business. In addition to the cuts, some employees were asked to relocate to other offices. Over 70% of the employees impacted by this round of layoffs are based in the US and Canada. In September, Uber laid off about 435 employees from its product and engineering teams. In August, Uber reported its largest quarterly loss ever: $5.2 billion in the three months ending in June.
Driver's ed for robotaxis: A grueling exam looms for self-driving cars
Read full article: Driver's ed for robotaxis: A grueling exam looms for self-driving carsBut they still face an existential question: When is a self-driving car truly ready to drive on its own? Most Americans already aren't comfortable with the idea of riding in a self-driving car. No simulation, no self-driving carsCruise, GM's self-driving team, runs 200,000 hours of simulated tests every day. The Silicon Valley startup wanted its self-driving cars to better handle yellow left-turn signals, a rarity during on-road testing. The simulated cars weren't slowing for the pedestrian as much as its real-world cars.
AB InBev's Asia business jumps 5% in first day of Hong Kong trading
Read full article: AB InBev's Asia business jumps 5% in first day of Hong Kong tradingSpencer Platt/Getty ImagesHONG KONG - Shares in Anheuser-Busch InBev's Asia business popped on their market debut in Hong Kong on Monday. Budweiser APAC stock rose more than 5% on their first day of trading in what was the second biggest public offering this year after Uber's $8.1 billion IPO in May. The brewer of Budweiser, Beck's and Stella Artois opened at 27.4 Hong Kong dollars ($3.50) a share, about 1.5% above its IPO price of 27 Hong Kong dollars ($3.44) a share, before rising further in morning trading. Budweiser APAC's IPO is a big win for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. AB InBev had originally planned to raise $9.8 billion from the Hong Kong listing, which would have made it the biggest IPO so far this year.
Uber's new offerings don't measure up to its challenges
Read full article: Uber's new offerings don't measure up to its challengesJustin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - With pressure mounting on its business, Uber decided to take a well-worn page from the Big Tech playbook: hold a flashy press event. Khosrowshahi also showed off what he described as "the next generation of the Uber app," with more integration of its food delivery and micromobility services. "It's lipstick on several pigs at once," said David Kirsch, a University of Maryland business professor. Gad Allon, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Business School, described Uber's announcements as focusing on small issues when big challenges remain unresolved. Chen also thinks that Uber's announcement of expanding its rewards program to include food delivery will be helpful.
Uber tries to make bikes, scooters into profitable business
Read full article: Uber tries to make bikes, scooters into profitable businessSAN FRANCISCO - Uber announced a number of changes to its bike and scooter business Thursday as the company faces pressure to become profitable. Uber will give its rentable bikes and scooters more prominence in its app next month in an attempt to increase ridership. As part of the strategy, Holt said Uber would pivot bikes and scooters away from cities with low ridership to other markets. Uber's increased promotion of bikes and scooters fits its goal to be the transportation company for everyone, no matter how they're traveling. Previously, Uber users had to toggle to a different screen in the app to see bikes and scooters.
Peloton falls below IPO price
Read full article: Peloton falls below IPO pricePeloton, the indoor fitness brand, began trading at $27 a share on Thursday, or nearly 7% below its IPO price. At its IPO price, Peloton was valued at about $8 billion, or roughly double its private market valuation one year ago. Peloton is best known for its internet-connected indoor bikes and subscription cycling classes that can be streamed live or on-demand into homes. Peloton generated $915 million in revenue in its most recent fiscal year, ending June 30, according to its IPO prospectus. Founded in 2006, SoulCycle is the industry veteran and its IPO was expected to value the company at around $900 million.
Airbnb plans to go public in 2020
Read full article: Airbnb plans to go public in 2020Slack's stock took a beating after its first earnings report as a public company earlier this month. Airbnb, which was valued at about $31 billion in its most recent private fund-raising round, didn't reveal how it plans to list its shares. Airbnb is one of the most well-known so-called unicorns, or startups valued at over $1 billion. This year has seen a number of high profile IPOs, including from Uber, Lyft, Zoom, Slack and Pinterest, so Airbnb has likely faced questions over the timing of its offering. In June, the company announced it was adding Airbnb Adventures trip packages in locations around the world to its platform.
Study: Your rideshare vehicle is more germy than a toilet seat
Read full article: Study: Your rideshare vehicle is more germy than a toilet seatA new study conducted by the insurance company NetQuote found more germs in ridesharing vehicles than in taxis. Results showed the average rideshare vehicle has about 219 times as many germs as the average taxi, which is regularly cleaned. They were nearly three times germier than the average toothbrush holder and more than 35,000 times germier than the average toilet seat. Another concern with ridesharing is the safety of back seat passengers. According to one study, only 57%of passengers in hired vehicles wore their seat belts, compared to 74% of passengers in personal cars.
Your questions about the so-called gig economy answered
Read full article: Your questions about the so-called gig economy answeredSACRAMENTO, Calif. - California has had it with the companies that control the so-called gig economy. What is the gig economy? If you've ever been a freelancer, a temp or really any sort of independent contractor, you've participated in the gig economy. The Gig Economy Data Hub, a project by the Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative and Cornell University's Industrial and Labor Relations School, collects demographic data on gig workers. But not every gig is equal, and the lowest-paying ones are often held by disadvantaged groups, as the Gig Economy Data Hub pointed out.