Dear Editor:
As an Uber X driving partner, I have several comments and concerns regarding ride-sharing services and to the current state of legislation regarding ride-sharing services in New Jersey, i.e., S2742 and A3765.
It is a well-known fact that many New Jersey residents struggle to obtain employment or to earn an adequate living and that public transportation and taxi service is limited or non-existent in many parts of the state. Furthermore, there are persons who choose not to or cannot obtain a driver’s license and those who cannot afford the costs associated with owning, maintaining, and insuring an automobile.
Uber X makes it possible for many of its driving partners to earn an adequate income or to help make ends meet. According to a recent article there are approximately 7,500 Uber drivers in New Jersey. Uber X provides quick pick-up times and an economical solution for those seeking dependable transportation. Persons whom I have transported have been overwhelmingly positive about Uber and have commented that taxi service, if available, can require long wait time for pick-up, high costs, fare gouging, and vehicles that are generally not as clean as Uber X partner vehicles.
With regard to the aforementioned legislation, my overall concern is that its impact will be to make it cost prohibitive for ride-sharing services to operate in New Jersey thus creating a hardship for many of its citizens as previously mentioned. Another real concern is that the number of persons driving while intoxicated will increase because alternative transportation will be limited or non-existent, thereby increasing threats to public safety and its associated costs. I will leave the speculation regarding this legislation being driven (pun intended) by insurance companies and other special interest groups to others.
It is my hope that rather than passing reactionary laws regarding ride-sharing services, all concerned parties can engage in an objective, intelligent, and informed dialogue that results in any future legislation being a win-win solution for all.
Michael Chenkin, Bridgewater
