Rideshare driver rally outside City Hall: What they’re demanding

CHICAGO (WGN) — A caravan of more than two dozen rideshare drivers rallied outside Chicago City Hall on Wednesday morning, demanding action on a proposed ordinance that would increase driver pay and require passenger verification.

The Fair Share Ordinance, also known as the Rideshare Living Wage and Safety Ordinance, is currently in committee but rideshare drivers hope it will soon be put to a vote. Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22nd Ward) is a sponsor.

“This ordinance would make (verification) mandatory. So nobody would be able to opt out or choose not to do it. And frankly, that’s what we need to keep drivers safe,” said Lori Simmons with the Chicago Gig Alliance.

Supporters of the ordinance say Uber and Lyft have created a “rigged” system that maximizes profits but endangers the safety of drivers. Effort to pass the ordinance was renewed following a string of armed robberies and carjackings.

The proposal would:

• Raise driver pay from $.60/mile and $.20/minute to $1.85/mile and $.65/minute for any regular Uber, Lyft, or Via ride, with the rate increasing annually with the Consumer Pricing Index;
• Establish a $7 trip minimum to ensure each ride is worth a driver’s time;
• Automatically pay a clear and transparent 150% surge on all regular rides leaving the city;
• Establish a cap of 20% on what the companies can take from each fare. Drivers currently report the companies often take cuts of 60% or more;
• Require that companies provide transparency in fares to both passengers and drivers;
• Require 7 days’ notice to drivers of any suspension and a system of appeal;
• Require passenger verification to improve driver safety.

Uber began testing a verification program in Chicago and 11 other cities last year. Uber’s program, like Lyft’s, is currently optional.