Uber and Lyft fares could go up in Nevada if new state bill passes

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A brand new state Senate invoice seeks to impose strict auto legal responsibility necessities for ridesharing corporations like Uber and Lyft.

Uber mentioned the necessities could be costly, and it already pays for the very best auto insurance coverage insurance policies within the nation.

“Uber and Lyft in Nevada already carry extra insurance coverage than every other automotive on the street. So each time you get into an Uber, you have got 1,000,000 and a half greenback insurance coverage coverage on that journey.” mentioned Uber public affairs supervisor, Harry Hartfield. “That is greater than each different state within the nation, and it is greater than each different automotive on the street in Nevada. What this invoice does is say they wish to add additional necessities. They wish to add additional guidelines on high of that. And people guidelines are actually, actually costly.”

With the intention to offset the prices of insurance coverage insurance policies, Uber mentioned it might be compelled to hike the prices of rides.

Increased fares might imply fewer journeys and fewer ideas.

“I’m involved about that,” mentioned Las Vegas Uber driver Nailah Gantt. “Particularly the flexibleness. Proper now, I can work round my kid’s schedule.”

Gantt is a single mother who depends on Uber as her primary supply of revenue. She mentioned her favourite half about working for the corporate is connecting with the group. She’s frightened if SB 125 passes, not solely might she make much less cash, however extra individuals could resort to driving beneath intoxication.

“If the fee elevated for riders, it could make the roads unsafe,” mentioned Gantt. “That is not a spot I wish to dwell at.”

On Wednesday, Uber director of operations in Las Vegas, David Case, despatched a letter to the Clark County Fee expressing concern that if the invoice turns into legislation, there can be fewer drivers out there for the 2024 Tremendous Bowl.

The letter states partially:

“We all know that planning for the Tremendous Bowl is already nicely underway; and we do not need you caught off guard if the supply of on-demand transportation is lower than anticipated because of a brand new legislation. Our hope is that drivers will proceed their use of our app as regular. Nonetheless, given the doubtless impression this laws could have on rider pricing and driver earnings, we have now important considerations about the way it might have an effect on the reliability of our app.”

SB 125 was presupposed to be heard within the Senate chamber Thursday afternoon, however major sponsor Senator Dina Neal introduced it was being pulled from the work session.