Yes, you read that right: Bust them.
“What we want is if they are going to do business here they have to follow the rules,” said Aubrey Howard, head of the Memphis Permits Department. “We think sending out a task force will make these companies move a little faster.”
Uber and Lyft have demonstrated beyond the shadow of a doubt that they will NOT adhere to local taxicab laws. Despite cease-and-desists, the companies have publicly announced their willingness to pick up driver fines and encouraged drivers to continue operating regardless. It’s outrageous behavior from for-hire transportation companies ferrying citizens on public streets.
Given Uber’s and Lyft’s past hijinks, making driver arrests is a very practical response.
Wonder if Uber and Lyft will bail their drivers out of jail? Pay their court costs? Compensate them for future earnings lost as a result of having an arrest on their record? Cover counseling costs in case jail doesn’t go so well?
Truly, these tech taxis are treacherous.