Ride Responsibly’s position and point of view on the ride-hailing industry is that innovation is what makes our society great, but with great technological advances comes a responsibility to ensure the protection and safety of those who embrace and utilize that progress. Due to the perilously in-comprehensive background checks used by ride-hailing apps, we must establish a new nationwide standard, inclusive of fingerprinting for all ground transportation providers. As the global voice of the private driver transportation industry, we feel it is our obligation to create a safer and more accountable system for passengers and operators. While it is important that we champion new and advantageous technology that allows our country to remain a model for the rest of the world, it is also important that we require operators to remain part of the equation as the economic and safety implications are tremendous.
Read more below about our different stances on developments in the ground transportation industry and recent news coverage on ride hailing.
On the AB 5 Bill in California, Giving Employee Protections to Gig Economy Workers, Including Ride-Hail Application Drivers:
“The implementation of new technology should not justify immunity from the laws and regulations that have been put into place to protect employee and labor rights. The drivers of these ride-hailing apps operate in a manner that – with very few exceptions – mirrors taxi and private “black car” services and interact with a large cross section of your populous in California. Therefore, it is only fair that the playing field be leveled, such that all operators and service providers within the industry are required to treat drivers equally without legislative exemption. Deciding not to move forward with Assembly Bill 5 would set a dangerous precedent for not only those in the private transportation business, but in other sectors of industry who will follow suit, misclassifying their employees as independent contractors. – NLA President Gary Buffo
On the Announcement of a New Passenger Bill of Rights and Driver Duty of Care:
“Passenger safety and security is paramount to ensuring that we are protecting lives on our nation’s roadways. As a leader in the industry, the NLA will continue to push for a recognized operating procedure throughout the country when it comes to safety, while also ensuring that those who put a priority on safety are not financially penalized. Fortifying our Duty of Care & Bill of Rights demonstrates our association’s commitment to strict protocol and the safety of our riders.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
On New York City’s Transportation Cap:
“To institute a blanket cap on an entire industry, without even considering the economic impact on families and business throughout the Tri-State Area is a haphazard solution to a complex problem. Myriad factors have led to the overcrowding of New York City’s streets, and I completely agree that it is a problem worth solving. However, the solution must not impose undue hardship on industrious workers and the people that rely on their services. The City needs to conduct a comprehensive economic study before moving any further with this plan.” – NLA Board Member and Former President Scott Solombrino
On California’s Decision Regarding Regulation of Ride-Hail Applications like Uber and Lyft:
“We have long called for standard regulations across the industry which will allow all private transportation operators to conduct business in a fair and equitable manner. Uber has inarguably operated within the state’s definition of a TCP, and it’s time for them to be held accountable.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
On Uber and Lyft’s Response to the Latest Ride Responsibly PSA Regarding Driver Vetting:
“Uber and Lyft continue to evade the issues and questions concerning their driver screening procedures. A truly comprehensive screening process would include a fingerprint based background check solution, with the ability to find crimes many years back and across state lines. Additionally, in-person interviews as well as drug and alcohol screening are noticeably absent from the ride-hail vetting process, at the same time that our nation is suffering through an opioid crisis. It is time that all transportation providers are held to a much higher standard.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
On the Uber Data Hack, and Necessary Next Steps:
“Uber knows where you live, work, and eat – all in addition to having your credit cards on file. Hackers may have accessed your trip data, learning your habits and selling this information to the highest bidder for reprehensible purposes. We at the NLA call on Uber to suspend operations, allowing Congress to get a grasp on the full scope of this breach and determine any legal wrongdoings for covering up such an extensive violation of privacy. There is no way to ensure that Americans using this service are not continually being exposed and Uber must be held accountable.” – NLA Board Member and Former President Scott Solombrino
From the Open Letter to President Trump Regarding Uber and Autonomous Vehicles:
“Mister President, while it is important that we champion new and advantageous technology that allows our country to remain a model for the rest of the world, it is also important that we require operators to remain part of the equation as the economic and safety implications are tremendous. If this innovation is to move forward, I call on you to make sure the men and women that voted for you are well represented throughout all stages of the process. To be put simply, it is your promise and your prerogative to ensure that the American worker is protected and allowed to prosper. Drivers are voters, computers are not. This will be among your most enduring legacies as President, and I urge you to speak out on this issue and come to the aid of hard-working American drivers.” – NLA Board Member and Former President Scott Solombrino
On the UC Davis Report on the Impact of Ride-Hailing:
“As the global voice of the private driver transportation industry, we feel it is our obligation to create a safer and more accountable system for passengers and operators. While organizations such as Uber Scandals, Ride Safe World, Who’s Driving You, and the National Limousine Association’s own Ride Responsibly tirelessly work to inform the public about the problems associated with Uber and Lyft, it is up to our legislators to take action in order to protect the drivers and riders who rely on these companies for their livelihood and transportation. Therefore, it is critical that we encourage and quickly work to secure this additional data from other leading national transportation research centers that are funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
On the Numerous Mentions of Uber in the #MeToo Social Media Campaign Highlighting Sexual Assault and Harrassment:
“As a retired police officer, father and active member of the ground transportation industry I am mortified at how often sexual assaults take place within ride-hailing vehicles. I have advocated for more stringent fingerprint-based background checks that would find crimes across state lines. While those who commit these crimes should undoubtedly be served justice, it’s time for the public to realize that Uber & Lyft are accomplices to this behavior as they continue to turn a blind eye.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
On London’s Revocation of Uber’s License:
“The National Limousine Association would like to applaud the TfL’s decision not to renew Uber’s license to operate in London. Increasingly, cities around the world are beginning to recognize and take action against the vast injustices committed by Uber and other ride-hailing services. While technology and innovation are crucial, human rights and safety can never be sacrificed simply for convenience. It is important to note that taxis and limousines across the world have adopted much of this same technology, and have managed to do so while still abiding by the rules. Hopefully, this decision will encourage other cities and countries to begin questioning the safety, accountability, business practices and overall value that these services bring. The NLA stands behind its operators around the globe and pledges to fully support the TfL, Mayor Sadiq Khan, and any leaders who choose to make the right decision for their citizens. The safety and security of both passengers and drivers have been in grave risk for far too long.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
On Staffing and Cultural Turbulence Occurring at Uber:
“For the past several years, through our Ride Responsibly initiative, as well as through legislative means, we have sought to inform the American people about the culture of circumvention that exists at ride-hailing companies such as Uber. Amidst issues ranging from passenger safety to driver’s benefits & rights, Uber has repeatedly dodged regulations in an effort to maximize profit. As president of the nation’s largest ground transportation trade organization, I implore Uber’s board to appoint responsible leadership.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
“Since its inception, numerous Uber passengers have been injured or killed due to disregard at the corporate level. Cost and corner-cutting initiatives coupled with a complete disregard for public safety has led to a flawed background check system placing our loved ones in the car with people unfit to drive professionally. Even worse, for the countless innocent drivers who had been lured in by deceptive compensation claims, Uber has not had the decency to afford them benefits such as healthcare, workers’ compensation or paid leave as they are promised by the Fair Labor Standards Act. I can only hope that Uber’s new leadership will take the responsible path when it comes to the treatment of our citizens.” – NLA Board Member and Former President Scott Solombrino
Partnership with Jobs With Justice:
“In a society that increasingly values convenience over safety and responsibility, it is the obligation of the NLA to raise awareness about how ride-hailing services, for financial gain, are circumventing fair labor laws and are not adhering to the same safety standards and regulations that are often applicable to taxis and limousines. Our partnership with Jobs With Justice is a vital step towards bringing these urgent matters to the forefront of conversation here in the United States. Ride-hailing services are misleading passengers, exploiting drivers and putting our economy at risk.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
The Problem with Uber:
“The company makes up its own rules, and after pushing its way into the market, it has consistently refused to cooperate with regulators. There’s a reason why some countries have taken the step to ban Uber entirely. Uber is not special. They need to start following the rules like everybody else. “This attitude is coming from sheer Silicon Valley arrogance. Uber needs to stop litigating, and become legitimized in cities. This is an international company picking up millions of people, but it’s not acting as such. The company creates huge levels of pollution and traffic. Being evasive and non-compliant is not going to get them much further.” – NLA Board Member and Former President Scott Solombrino
Uber Drivers Suit Granted Class-Action Status By Federal Judge:
“The NLA is very pleased with ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, granting class action status to former drivers for Uber. The NLA has long been committed to upholding best practices for all companies that employ drivers for private transportation. As our industry continues to evolve, it is critical that state and local governments enforce proactive legislation. The NLA commends the Judge Chen. It is our belief that all ground transportation providers, including ride-hailing services, must perform under the same basic guidelines.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
Risks of Ride-Hailing:
“The National Limousine Association has worked diligently to ensure that safety standards are universally enforced across the entire ground transportation industry. It is our objective that all ground transportation, including TNCs, perform under the same standards as private and pre-arranged ground transportation drivers. Upon closer inspection, several TNCs terms and conditions reveal a number of disturbing provisions that should give any passenger pause.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
California Uber Drivers as Employees:
“The NLA is very pleased with the fair and balanced ruling issued by the California Labor Commission. The NLA is committed to upholding universal standards and best practices for all companies that employ drivers for private transportation. It is crucial for state and local governments to develop proactive legislation as our industry continues to evolve and the market expands. The NLA commends the state of California. It is our belief that all ground transportation providers, including ride-hailing services, perform under the same basic guidelines.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
Fair Labor Standards:
“In a society that increasingly values convenience over safety and responsibility, it is the obligation of the National Limousine Association to raise awareness about how ride-hailing services, for reasons of financial gain, are circumventing the fair labor laws and are not required to adhere to or comply with the same safety standards and regulations applicable to taxis and limousines. Ride hailing services are misleading passengers, exploiting drivers and putting the public at risk.” – NLA Board Member and Former President Scott Solombrino
“It is crucial for state and local governments to develop proactive legislation as our industry continues to change and the market expands… As the global voice of the private driver transportation industry, we feel it is our obligation to create a safer and more accountable system for passengers and operators.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
The Driving Game PSA:
“With an alarming number of alleged sexual assaults involving ride-hail app drivers, our partnership with the NSVRC is a vital step towards bringing these urgent matters to the forefront of conversation here in the United States. Due to the perilously incomprehensive background checks used by ride-hailing apps, we must establish a new nationwide standard, inclusive of fingerprinting for all ground transportation providers.” – NLA President Gary Buffo
Fingerprinting in Massachusetts:
“The National Limousine Association is very pleased with this announcement of support from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. While mobile ride-hailing services may not agree with mandatory fingerprinting, the National Limousine Association believes this is a necessary step in protecting the passengers, drivers and the hard working people of Massachusetts who travel these streets on a daily basis. Innovation is what makes our society great, but with great technological advances comes a responsibility to ensure the protection and safety of those who embrace and utilize that progress. This is a commonsense solution that all parties can agree upon.” – NLA Board Member and Former President Scott Solombrino