A man was being scammed out of a large amount of money and ended up shooting the Uber driver who showed up to pick up a package arranged by the same scammer.
Meanwhile, a Chicago DoorDash driver is missing, Uber is setting reminders, and we have information from Curbivore 2024.
Join RSG Contributor Paula Lemar as she breaks down the top headlines in this week’s rideshare news.
Additional Charges Filed Against Man In Killing Of Uber Driver He Mistakenly Believed Was A Scammer
Topic Originally Appeared On CNN
Summary
An 81-year-old Ohio man pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder and other charges Wednesday related to the shooting death of an Uber driver he mistakenly believed was working with a scammer attempting to extort him, according to the Clark County prosecutor.
William Brock was previously arraigned on a murder charge for purposely causing Loletha Hall’s death. On Monday, a grand jury indicted him on that charge, as well as two new counts of felony murder, according to court records.
The two felony murder counts accuse Brock of causing Hall’s death as a result of committing or trying to commit another underlying felony: felonious assault and kidnapping, respectively. In addition to the three murder counts, he was also charged with kidnapping her and felonious assault. In all, he faces five charges.
My Take
This is heartbreaking, to say the least. I’m trying my best to see it from his perspective. I understand that someone threatening you and trying to extort money from you is a horrifying experience, but to shoot a woman multiple times instead of letting her leave is abhorrent.
He may not have realized she wasn’t part of the scam, but when she’s trying to leave and actively backing away from you while you hold a gun on her, just let the person leave.
He could have called the cops about the phone call or about the person in his driveway (Uber driver) that he didn’t order. And to shoot her multiple times instead of letting her leave. I just…I don’t understand.
Elijah Okunola Missing: Chicago DoorDash Driver Last Seen in Gold Coast
Topic Originally Appeared On Fox
Summary
Chicago police are searching for a missing DoorDash delivery driver who was last seen in the Gold Coast neighborhood over the weekend.
Elijah Okunola, 24, was last seen driving in the area of 55 E. Pearson St. on Saturday. He was wearing a thin black jacket, blue jeans, and black and white gym shoes.
He is five-foot-six and weighs about 140 pounds. He has brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.
My Take
I hope they are able to locate this man and that he’s safe and sound. There’s too much bad in this world already. Let’s find some good. Sorry, I don’t have much to say on this one either. I just hope for the best.
Curbivore 2024: Recent Wins In Curbs, Roads, Sidewalks And Transit Systems
Topic Originally Appeared On VerdeXchange
Summary
As urban downtowns and their transit serving systems begin recovering from the pandemic’s impact on urban street life, cities have begun blessing innovative ways to utilize their streets and manage their curbs.
With permission of Curbibore, VXNews shares here excerpts from a recent Curbivore L.A. panel masterfully moderated by Laura Bliss of Bloomberg News that included: Jordan Justus (Co-Founder & CEO, Automotus), Marcel Porras (Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, LA Metro), Debs Schrimmer (Senior Advisor, Joint Office of Energy & Transportation) and Gene Oh (CEO, Tranzito).
The panel’s focus is actual examples of the ways varying metropolises are transforming their streets, curbs & public transit systems to better serve the evolving needs of their citizens.
My Take
Another Curbivore has come and gone, and with it, more innovations and insights into the curb-to-curb business mentality. Cities are constantly pivoting to keep up with technological advances and gig work that goes along with it.
Read the full article for more insight into what is being done to improve gig work and infrastructure impacting these demands.
View Previous Curbivores:
Uber Raising Instant Cash Out Fee Means THIS!!
Topic Originally Appeared On TikTok
Some drivers have banked on cashing out after every trip or multiple times a day. With this fee increase, this would be counterintuitive. Sergio recommends that people get the Uber Pro card instead. This would mean having access to your money through the Uber Pro card. What do you think? How often do you cash out?
Uber Will Start Reminding Passengers To Wear Their Seat Belt
Topic Originally Appeared On Engadget
Summary
Starting today, the Uber app will remind you to put on your seatbelt shortly after your ride starts. Passengers’ tendency to not use a seat belt remains a significant concern, the ride-hailing service wrote in its announcement of the new safety feature, even though 50 percent of all vehicle crash deaths in the US in 2022 was caused by their non-usage.
Now, your driver’s phone will issue an audio reminder when you hop on, telling you to “Please use your seat belt for your safety.” You’ll also get a push notification on your phone at the same time that says: “Even on a short ride and seated in the back, use a seat belt for safety.”
The company first started testing audio seat belt alerts in 2021 based on feedback from drivers. It said at the time that it believes the alerts will “increase seat belt use and help drivers ensure a safe environment while on a trip.”
This rollout makes it widely available in the US, UK, Taiwan, Latin America, as well as several countries in Africa. Uber intends to bring it to more territories in the future.
My Take
I just needed a “fluffier” piece of news this week to balance things out. I actually think this is hilarious. Adults shouldn’t have to be reminded to take basic safety measures when getting into a vehicle.
If you don’t automatically buckle up when you get in a vehicle, then you missed a step somewhere growing up. And if you purposefully decide not to wear a seatbelt, then the consequences are fully on your shoulders.
I’m sure this is just a way for Uber to say, “Look, we care about safety,” without making any significant impact. If I decide not to wear a seatbelt, a reminder in the app isn’t going to make me change my mind.
Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content
Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:
- RSG254: Curbivore Preview With Jonah Bliss
- Uber & Lyft Offer SAME Rides For Different Prices! Show Me The Money Club
- Sergio Results Driving Lyft Last Week (BIG BONUS)
- 15 PROS And CONS Delivering Food With Uber Eats Or DoorDash
- Waymo Delivering Uber Eats?!
- Make sure you Subscribe so you don’t miss out on future conversations and interviews!
