Staff Reports
The Minneapolis City Council has made a disastrous decision that will undoubtedly harm the city’s economy and its residents. In a baffling 10-3 vote, the Council overrode Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto and approved a measure to increase the pay floor for rideshare drivers, despite stern warnings from Uber and Lyft that they will exit the region in protest.
Uber and Lyft bail on Minneapolis following city council forcing higher driver pay https://t.co/a8qCbu9eh6
— Trump2024_no_matter_what (@TexasTrump2024) March 15, 2024
It’s a sad day for free market capitalism as Uber and Lyft have announced their plans to pull out of the Twin Cities, with Uber even stating that Minneapolis will be the only metro area in the United States without its services. This reckless move will leave thousands of drivers without jobs and countless residents stranded without reliable transportation options.
Uber expressed deep disappointment in the Council’s decision, emphasizing that the ordinance will put 10,000 people out of work and make the city the lone one in the country without Uber services. Lyft echoed these sentiments, asserting that the new pay regulations make their operations unsustainable, forcing them to cease service in Minneapolis effective May 1.
Furthermore, the ordinance will have far-reaching consequences, impacting the entire metropolitan area, including transportation to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. This means that travelers and commuters will be left in the lurch without the convenience of rideshare services to and from the airport.
City Councilman Jamal Osman’s remarks about not allowing any community to be exploited for cheap labor are misplaced. By driving away major rideshare companies, the Council is doing a disservice to drivers and passengers alike. Mayor Frey’s concern about job loss also highlights the negative ramifications of the Council’s ill-advised actions.
While everyone can agree that fair wages are important, the Council’s decision has backfired by potentially leaving drivers unemployed. The new regulations could have detrimental effects on the already fragile gig economy and the ability of residents to access affordable and convenient transportation options.
In the end, the Minneapolis City Council has made a grave mistake by prioritizing a poorly-conceived pay increase over the livelihoods of thousands of rideshare drivers and the city’s overall transportation needs. It’s a sad day for Minneapolis, and the repercussions of this decision will undoubtedly be felt for a long time to come.
