Uber Entrepreneurs & disabled rider share their stories and ask Orlando city officials to stop squashing the American dream and allow Uber to operate within city limits without additional regulations.
By Jacob Engels
Several days after the Orlando City Commission approved the early phases of a new regulation that would require Uber & other ride-sharing companies to charge more than 25% than traditional taxis, the company has released a 3-minute web video featuring drivers and citizens who want the service to stay in Orlando.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and several City Commissioners have received large donations from Mears Transportation – a company that operates taxis within the city and has seen their business plummet since Uber came to Orlando this past summer. The video starts with a veteran who spent over 20 years of his life fighting for the freedoms we enjoy in America, stating that Uber’s right to operate as a business in the city of Orlando is indeed one of those freedoms he dedicated a vast majority of his life protecting.
“They should have the freedom to operate in Orlando,” concluded the Army veteran.
It then cuts to an Uber driver whose wife is currently fighting cancer and has to spend a large portion of her week at the hospital receiving treatment. “I can come out any time I want and go back any time I want. This job gives me the flexibility and freedom to take her to her treatments and therapy. Orlando is the vacation capitol of the world, and Uber is allowing visitors to save money on transportation and spend more money in Orlando.”
This is the point where you have to ask yourself why Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer feels the need to try and squash private ride-sharing companies like Uber. Is he against a husband finding a way to make money that allows him to care for his sick wife? Is the Mayor who is always talking about jobs and economic growth against a cost-effective transportation solution for tourists that allows them to spend more coin in The City Beautiful?
A visually impaired women who utilizes Uber frequently to get around the city safely said she wants to see the company stay in Orlando.”Uber allows me to go places after work and run errands in an efficient manner. Without Uber I would have to take more time off work.”
The video closes with a plea from drivers and riders alike who ask the City of Orlando to reconsider their plans to enforce restrictions and fair increases on the private ride-sharing services. One driver shares that Uber saved his business from going under and keep his home out of foreclosure. You can watch the video below.
The Orlando City Commission could meet as early as Monday December 15th to finalize their plan of action against Uber & Lyft. In the meantime – you should sign this petition to let the Commissioners and Mayor Dyer know that you want Uber to stay, it has nearly 21,000 out of the 25,000 signature goal that Uber wants to gather & submit to Mayor Dyer & the City Council.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
