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.
File photo of MSP airport. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is bracing for a busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period lasting through early December.
Holiday travel at MSP
Local perspective:
MSP is preparing for a busy travel period, with more than 441,000 people expected to pass through security checkpoints over 12 days. Wednesday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 30, are projected to be the busiest days, with an estimated 47,000 to 49,000 people walking through the doors each day.
“We will see passenger activity pick up a week out from Thanksgiving as many get a jump-start on their holiday travels,” explained Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP.
Travelers using the airport between Nov. 20 and Dec. 1 should prepare for busy roadways and terminals due to an increased number of drivers picking up and dropping off passengers for the holidays, the airport says.
To help manage the congestion, MSP has opened a new FLEX Lane at Terminal 1 for an additional area to pick-up and drop-off passengers. This new zone is located across from the primary drop-off curb, and offers terminal access through doors 5–8.
Big picture view:
AAA is predicting a record-setting Thanksgiving travel season, anticipating at least 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home. The majority, an estimated 73 million people, plan to travel by car, up 1.3 million people from last year.
Air travel is also expected to rise, with roughly 6 million travelers taking domestic flights, a 2% increase over the previous year, according to AAA.
Holiday travel tips
MSP provided tips for those planning to travel during the holidays:
- MSP passengers can reserve a spot in the security line for free using MSP reserve.
- Travelers can pre-book parking online, though it must be made at least 12 hours prior to the scheduled arrival time.
- Travelers using Terminal 1 can view the checkpoint wait-time boards upon arrival. All gates can be accessed from either checkpoint, though the North Checkpoint often has shorter wait times.
- Drivers can use the new FLEX Lane option, or use either level of the terminal to pick up or drop off passengers.
- To help reduce congestion, drivers are encouraged to wait at the free cellphone lots, located on Post Road, until their party is ready to be picked up.
The Source: This story uses information from MAC and AAA press release.
CASS LAKE — A Minneapolis man has been arrested after discharging a firearm at a gas station on Tuesday in Cass Lake.
According to a release from Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk, at 11:16 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, dispatch received a report of an individual with a gun shooting in a parking lot of a business at 203 Aspen Ave. NW in Cass Lake.
Deputies arrived on the scene and, in talking with the individuals involved, found that a family was traveling from the Bemidji area to the Twin Cities when a dispute occurred.
The driver of the vehicle stopped in the parking lot of a business, passengers exited the vehicle, and a weapon was fired at an adult male passenger, striking a gas pump, the release said. Minor injuries were reported from the dispute.
Jose Pineda Jr., 20, of Minneapolis, was arrested and transported to the Cass County Detention Center. Charges, including reckless discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault and domestic assault, are pending.
Assisting at the scene were the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office and the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department.
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