Minneapolis, MN
Uber and Lyft leaving Minneapolis? Ride-hail apps oppose new ordinance
Uber and Lyft leaving Minneapolis?
As the Minneapolis City Council considers an ordinance to ensure Uber and Lyft driver get paid minimum wage, the ride-hail apps are warning they could leave the city.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Ride-hailing apps Uber and Lyft may end service in Minneapolis as the city council considers an ordinance that would ensure drivers make minimum wage.
Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the ordinance last August after the council initially approved it. Last year, the council didn’t have enough to override the veto. But this year, with new council members, there may be enough votes to override a veto.
The city council’s Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee heard and approved the renewed ordinance on Tuesday. It is scheduled to be heard by the full council on March 7.
If approved by the full council, the ordinance would guarantee drivers working within the Minneapolis city limits make the minimum wage of $15 per hour. The ordinance would require drivers to earn $1.40 per mile and 51 cents per minute or $5 per ride — whichever is greater.
In a statement, Lyft argued its drivers already make a fair wage but said: “The Council’s proposed bill, however, ignores economic reality. It pushes the same egregious mandates that were vetoed by the Mayor last year, and it could make rides on Lyft too expensive for too many. Should it become law, Lyft would be forced to cease operations in Minneapolis and possibly the rest of the state when it takes effect.”
In a letter to council members, Lyft claims the median driver in the Twin Cities region earns $25.94 per “engaged hour” after expenses like gas. That figure includes tips and other bonuses.
But, drivers who spoke for the bill at Tuesday’s hearing, say they aren’t being treated fairly.
“I believe in working and working hard and that’s what I’ve been doing,” said one driver speaking to the council. “But what’s missing in this equation is fairness.”
The committee passed the ordinance by a vote of five to one, sending it to the full council.
Council Member Aurin Chowdhury apologized before the vote, expressing concern over the pay disparities highlighted by drivers. “Even more glaring to see some of the images that you brought forward… of a ride costing $93 and just getting paid $11.49 for that ride and driving 18 miles, that’s not right,” said Chowdhury.
Council members supporting the ordinance say it’s necessary to align with minimum wage requirements that other businesses already comply with.
Uber and Lyft say the increases are not realistic for them to stay in business in Minneapolis. Lyft puts it in the strongest terms, warning that the company may leave the city, potentially the entire state, as early as April if the ordinance is approved.
The scene of the crash at 26th Avenue North and Emerson Avenue North in Minneapolis. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minneapolis woman was sentenced for her role in a deadly crash that killed two women and injured two other people in December 2024.
READ MORE: Minneapolis woman charged in fatal high-speed crash faces additional charges
Woman sentenced in fatal Minneapolis crash
Big picture view:
Prosecutors say Teniki Steward drove a Buick Enclave into a bus shelter and a Ford Explorer after speeding through a red light.
Both of the women in the Ford Explorer died in the crash. They were identified as 53-year-old Ester Jean Fulks and 57-year-old Rose Elaine Reece.
During the crash, the Ford Explorer went off the road, injuring a 17-year-old boy who was waiting for a school bus.
The passenger in Steward’s vehicle also suffered injuries.
Minneapolis police said that Steward was also injured in the crash.
Steward pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges.
What they’re saying:
During the sentencing, the daughter of one of the victims had a statement read on her behalf:
“There’s nothing that can truly prepare you for the moment your entire world is taken from you. Losing my mom has left a pain in my heart that words will never be able to explain.”
What’s next:
Minnesota law requires that Steward serves at least two-thirds of her sentence, a bit under eight-and-a-half years, in prison.
Fatal Emerson and 26th crash
The backstory:
According to the criminal complaint, through surveillance videos from the scene of the crash and witnesses, investigators learned that Steward, driving the Buick Enclave, had been driving at a high rate of speed northbound on Emerson Avenue North.
Before the fatal crash, Steward sped through the intersection of Emerson Avenue North and Broadway Avenue North, running a red light and nearly causing a crash, the charges said.
Steward then continued to speed northbound down Emerson Avenue North, and ran another red light at 26th Avenue North, hitting the Ford Explorer, which was traveling eastbound, according to the complaint.
The Ford Explorer had been at the intersection of Emerson and 26th on a green light.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty shared the following statement:
“This was an egregious act that took Rose and Esther’s lives and injured a child waiting to go to school at a bus stop. Ms. Steward was driving at extremely dangerous speeds on city streets and narrowly avoided multiple collisions before the incident occurred. Third-degree murder charges are appropriate to hold her accountable and protect our community.”
The Source: This story uses information gathered from an Olmsted County court appearance and previous FOX 9 reporting.
A motorcyclist is dead after an early morning crash in Minneapolis Friday morning.
The Minnesota State Patrol said that at 1:20 a.m., a Suzuki Motorcycle going north on I-35W at Johnson Street hit the left side of the median guard rail.
The motorcycle continued north for about another quarter mile before coming to a rest on the right-hand side.
State Patrol said the rider came to rest on the left shoulder. He was later identified as 21-year-old Andrew James Neuberger.
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Rochester Spartans boys volleyball team played its second game on consecutive nights. The Spartans beat Minneapolis Camden 3-0.
Rochester’s next game will be Tuesday, April 21, at St. Anthony Village at 7:00 p.m.
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