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New York — As Uber advances its plans to expand upstate, New Yorkers expect that ride-hailing apps would adhere to the same safety standards and driver protections currently in place in New York City. Yet Uber is trying to get out of this basic obligation by proposing to start its own workers’ compensation fund—under private control—which would not offer sufficient protections for riders and drivers.
As a matter of New York State law, Uber currently is required to provide drivers with workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment benefits, safety training, and support services as a member of the award-winning, state-regulated Black Car Fund (BCF) that insures both drivers and riders enjoy the highest professional standards. However, in the last legislative session, Uber attempted to get out of this common sense requirement, which all black car dispatch bases statewide must meet.
The New York Black Car Operators’ Injury Compensation Fund, now known simply as the BCF, was created by statute for the sole purpose of providing workers' compensation coverage to black car operators in the state of New York. The statute was signed into law by Governor George Pataki in May 1999. The BCF derives its income from a 2.5 percent surcharge, which is billed and collected by member bases from their clients and then remitted to the fund. Today, it has approximately 300 member bases and covers more than 33,000 affiliated drivers.
“Uber is an ambitious company with big plans, but the company’s continued success cannot come at the expense of its customers or the real-life people who drive for it. Upstate New Yorkers deserve the same protections that exist in New York City for a safer ride,” said Ira Goldstein, BCF executive director. “We want Uber to thrive, but New Yorkers also need to be protected. There is no reason we can’t do both.”
According to Goldstein and the BCF leadership, Uber should:
1. Mandate fingerprinting as part of any criminal background check to protect riders. Uber agreed to fingerprinting for its New York City drivers but refused to do so in Austin, Texas, and instead left the city. Convenience is not more important than rider safety, and Uber continues to be plagued by frequent news reports about its drivers harassing or even sexually assaulting female passengers. This should be a major concern as Uber markets itself on college campuses where N.Y. Governor Andrew Cuomo has made a concerted effort to address rape statistics. New York City riders know that when they step into an Uber, their driver has been fully vetted for their protection, and Upstate riders deserve the same peace of mind.
2. Remain part of New York State’s mandated workers’ compensation fund and continue to provide drivers with workers’ compensation insurance, safety training, and support services. An independent analysis by Oliver Wyman Actuarial Consulting found Uber’s proposed fund to be “economically unsound,” concluding that it would result in “gross underfinancing.”
Drivers cannot work without a minimum standard of protection, but Goldstein says the BCF goes even further to encourage a safe and healthy workforce through a Wellness Program, which includes:
- Healthy Driving, which is instructed by a BCF Driver Wellness Coach and addresses issues of driving in NYC, as well as the affects it has on the drivers. The program also includes instruction on posture, start movements, exercise, and stress reduction.
- Hands-Only CPR instruction, through a partnership with New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell’s Heart Institute
- Share the Road, a partnership with Bike New York, to reinforce drivers’ sense of responsibility to provide leadership as the most responsible and professional team of drivers on the roadways of NYC.
- The BCF Wellness STEP 2016 includes AMBER Alert training in conjunction with the New York State Police Department to educate drivers on how to register to receive text message AMBER Alerts, as well as the steps drivers can actively take upon receiving the notification that an AMBER Alert has been issued.
Visit nybcac.org or nybcf.org for more information about the Black Car Fund.
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PRLA Board of Directors: (L to R) Treasurer Chris Haines of Michael’s Classic Limousine, President Steve Rhoads of Rhoads Limousine, Director Anthony Onorata of Anthony Limousine, and Vice President Robert Euler of King Limousine
King of Prussia, Pa. — The Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) met on Monday, December 12, at Maggiano’s Little Italy for a joint general membership meeting and holiday dinner. The meeting was attended by over 30 members and friends, including CD Editor Rob Smentek.
After the attendees enjoyed a multi-course meal, PRLA President Steve Rhoads of Rhoads Limousine welcomed the members and discussed timely business regarding the association’s continued fight with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA).
2017 CD Trade Show and Conference pass winner Anthony Onorata of Anthony Limousine (left) with CD Editor Rob Smentek
Recently, the PPA raised their per vehicle rate a whopping 111 percent —from $405 to $856—with no announcement. In response, PRLA immediately hired an attorney who issued the city a restraining order city to put the increase on hold.
At the meeting, Rhoads shared that the efforts of the association had been heard by a Federal judge who will meet with representatives from the PPA and PRLA—including Rhoads, Mike Barreto of Flyte Tyme Worldwide, and Jordan Sanders of Hollowsands Luxury Limousines—to resolve the fee dispute and attempt to create a new set of regulations that will put the area luxury ground transportation industry on an even playing field with the TNCs. PRLA Director Anthony Onorata of Anthony’s Limousine encouraged members in attendance to brainstorm to come up with a “wish list” of changes to current PPA rules that could be introduced to the judge. Rhoads and Barreto expressed optimism that a compromise will be met with the city. The conference with the judge is scheduled for Friday, December 23.
The meeting concluded with a trio of raffles among the members. CD donated a pass for their 2017 Trade Show & Conference held October 22-25 in Orlando, which was won by Oronata. Other prizes included a kitchen appliance gift basket and a travel bag.
Visit prlainc.org for more information.
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Burlingame, Calif. — CH Bus Sales has announced the opening of a new motorcoach maintenance and repair facility. Situated just off Hwy 101 near San Francisco’s SFO airport, the new location offers a very convenient location for customers. This new facility will offer a fully stocked retail parts center and will be staffed with expertise to support all makes and models of motorcoaches.
“We are proud to be expanding into our third maintenance and service facility during our fifth year as Temsa’s exclusive distributor,” shared Duane Geiger, executive vice president of sales & service. “This full-service facility will offer technical support for our highly successful Temsa motorcoaches operating in Northern California.”
“CH Bus understands that superb after-sales support is key for success in this industry and we look forward to offering our current customers and our newest customers—the all-around support they expect,” added Geiger.
CH Bus Sales is the exclusive distributor of Temsa motorcoaches in the United States.
Visit chbussales.com or temsa.com for more information.
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