At its meeting of March 16, 2024, the metropolitan area chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota adopted a resolution dealing with the impending upheaval in rideshare services. This chapter includes members from throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. The resolution has been distributed to those to whom it is addressed. We look forward to working together toward solutions.

RESOLUTION 2024-03-16

Regarding Rideshare in Metro Area

WHEREAS, rideshare services have become an important means of reliable, affordable, and efficient transportation for many who live and work in the Twin Cities and beyond, improving access to employment and other opportunities in our communities, particularly for blind people and others who do not drive; and

WHEREAS, the sustainable operation of rideshare services, now and into the future, is dependent upon economic viability for the companies as well as fair compensation for the drivers providing the rides; and

WHEREAS, the Minneapolis City Council recently passed an ordinance setting minimum pay that drivers must receive for rides in Minneapolis; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the ordinance, Uber and Lyft have stated that they will stop operating in the Metro area as of May 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the arrival of rideshare companies rendered the taxi industry virtually non-existent, and public transportation and Metro Mobility are not at all equipped to absorb the transportation needs that would go unfulfilled in the event of such a move; and

WHEREAS, without any apparent, direct negotiations with drivers or the city, Uber and Lyft have attempted to use their significant customer base as leverage, urging customers to communicate opposition to the pay increase; and

WHEREAS, the City Council enacted the ordinance and overrode a veto from Mayor Jacob Frey without any public plan to address the significant impact on people's lives that would be brought on by a potential departure of Uber and Lyft; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Metro Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota at its meeting on March 16, 2024 that this organization call upon the Minneapolis City Council, the rideshare companies, drivers, and all others concerned to work together swiftly and decisively to find a solution for maintaining access to affordable, reliable, and efficient transportation in the Twin Cities and beyond; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization express its eagerness to assist in resolving this crisis in every way we can, to prevent the devastating impacts on many lives and livelihoods that would occur with a loss of transportation.