The rules and regulations set forth in the Austin City Code are there to
ensure public safety. They include insurance requirements, vehicle
inspections and driver screening. These rogue applications offer none of
these protections. I personally hope that the police and the city
transportation department officials take a hard stand against these
services who are blatantly and publicly breaking the law.
Make no
mistake, this is not people car-pooling and sharing a ride because they
are going your way! These are drivers who have signed up on-line to make
“up to $22 per hour” logging into this system and driving around and
picking people up for money (taxi service). There is nothing altruistic
or “green” about this company. It is a “for profit” transportation
company that uses unlicensed, under insured and un-screened drivers.