Uber is starting to offer rides that have car seats available for kids who need them so parents can keep the car seat at home.
Meanwhile, Indigo Technologies, a robotics-focused brand, is gaining more funding, Lyft is rolling out ID verification, and Instacart is confronting sick pay laws.
Join RSG Contributor Paula Lemar as she breaks down the top headlines in this week’s rideshare news.
Uber Deploys Rides With Car Seats For Kids: ‘Simple And Stress Free’
Topic Originally Appeared On Fox Business
Summary
Uber is becoming kid-friendly.
On Tuesday, the ride-share company announced its newest service, Uber Car Seat.
Now, Uber users will be given the option to order a ride with a car seat available for their kids.
The company shared in a notice with Fox News Digital that this new feature will give parents and caretakers “peace of mind when getting little ones around town.”
My Take
There are other services that are geared toward transporting children safely that we have covered in the past. It’s interesting that Uber is now offering car seats if you order an Uber Car Seat ride.
It sounds like Uber will be providing the car seats through a partnership with Nuna. It’s unknown if the driver will receive more compensation for these kinds of rides.
One issue I can see is that when the car seat is not in use, it would take up space in the trunk of the vehicle, which would make it difficult for people ordering an Uber to bring luggage with them.
I know a lot of drivers get frustrated with adult riders who think they can just hold their child or go without a car seat when it’s illegal not to have one. So, at least, this will be a better solution for people who think they can leave their car seats at home.
BUT, if Uber charges more for these rides (which it sounds like there will be a $10 surcharge for these requests), I can see people still ordering a standard ride and either expecting the driver to have a car seat or will just try to get away with not having one of their own like they have done for years.
EV Tech OEM Indigo Technologies Closes Strategic Investment From Foxconn To Accelerate Its Smart EVs Solutions for Sustainable Ride Hail, Delivery & More
Topic Originally Appeared On PR Newswire
Summary
Indigo Technologies, a robotics-focused Smart EV OEM with breakthrough road sensing SmartWheels™ invented by a team out of MIT, today announced it has received a strategic investment from Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn).
The investment, which recently gained regulatory approval after being first announced late last year, accelerates Indigo, the US automotive tech innovator in its development of smart, smooth and efficient light utility EVs designed for sustainable ride hail, delivery and autonomous transportation services.
Indigo’s light utility EVs are designed for ride-hail, delivery, and autonomous transportation services.
Indigo EVs will help transportation network companies (TNC) and delivery network companies (DNC), fleet management companies (FMC), and the millions of businesses, taxi drivers, and gig economy workforce to become more profitable while driving to a more sustainable future.
“Our cities, citizens and businesses need affordable and desirable EVs that improve safety, utility and comfort,” says Will Graylin, CEO of Indigo.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Foxconn on the mission to create technology for smart living and deliver the next generation of lighter, more cost effective EVs for sustainable mobility at scale.
Foxconn’s Chief Strategy Officer for Electric Vehicles Mr. Jun Seki, who was former CEO of Nidec and COO of Nissan, joins Indigo’s Board of Directors adding further innovation depth and global supply chain connections as we launch vehicles in 2025.”
My Take
In our video above, you’ll learn more about Indigo and their EV rideshare and delivery vehicles. With the focus on increasing EVs in the rideshare industry, it is a good move that companies like Indigo are expanding and getting the funding needed to continue growing their EV vehicle options.
I’ve said multiple times that we need more and better EV options for drivers, and this looks like it’s going in the right direction.
Lyft Rolls Out ID Verification For Passengers?
Topic Originally Appeared On TikTok
ICYMI: The Rideshare Guy is on TikTok! Recently, we covered the breaking news that Lyft is rolling out ID verification for their passengers, which is huge news on the safety front for drivers. Drivers have been asking for this feature for YEARS.
In the past, passengers have been able to use almost any name for themselves without any kind of photo attached for identification purposes. Having these fake names and no identification would also make it more difficult to track down carjackers and other dangerous individuals after they leave the vehicle.
It’s still unknown if this new identification requirement will just be for new riders joining the platform for the first time or if it will be retroactive for current riders. The hope of drivers, of course, is for ALL passengers to have identification on the platform.
It’s a basic safety tool that I’m surprised has taken this long to be implemented. Hopefully Uber follows suit.
Instacart Settles Over Seattle’s Gig Worker Sick Pay Law
Topic Originally Appeared On MyNorthwest
Summary
Instacart will pay $730,041 dollars to settle claims it violated Seattle’s law that provides gig workers paid sick leave.
The law took effect during the COVID-19 pandemic on July 13, 2020. It was made permanent on May 1, 2023, under the city’s App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance.
My Take
Personally, I think it’s pretty sad that it took a global pandemic to implement something as simple and necessary as sick pay.
I understand that independent contractors are treated differently from employees, but everyone gets sick, and a lot of people cannot afford the time off to get better, which spreads illness to the passengers/customers and makes matters worse.
To allow people to be humans who get sick sometimes without the punishment of not being able to pay rent because you’re not actively earning money is something that I think everyone deserves.
If you’re an Instacart shopper in the Seattle area, please let us know if you’ll be receiving anything from this settlement. We love to hear success stories.
Minnesota-Based Company Hopeful In Bringing New Rideshare Option To Metro
Topic Originally Appeared On ABC
Summary
In just over a month, Uber and Lyft are threatening to leave the metro unless the Minneapolis City Council reverses its new rideshare ordinance. One man says he has a solution.
For more than a decade, Murid Amini grew up in the Cedar-Riverside community, a place that sparked purpose and perspective.
“I was born in Afghanistan. I am a war refugee here in the United States,” Amini said. “I talked to, you know, rideshare drivers on my way there and they all kind of described the same problem to me; they’re not getting paid enough.”
Amini started a rideshare company earlier this month called MOOV in hopes of filling in the gap if Uber and Lyft leave town. Hundreds of riders and drivers have already signed up.
My Take
When faced with a challenge, people tend to step up with solutions. If Uber and Lyft really do leave Minneapolis, solutions need to be ready to take their place.
This rideshare startup sounds like a great option. It will follow the new pay ordinance that the city council enacted, which is prompting Uber and Lyft to leave the city.
It also sounds like they’ll be taking better safety precautions than the main competitors by requiring passengers to have IDs.
I wish this startup the best of luck. I hope it ends up working out and turning into a lucrative local business.
Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content
Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:
- RSG254: Curbivore Preview With Jonah Bliss
- Uber CUTTING Driver EV Incentive By 37% – Show Me The Money Club
- Why Is Boston The BEST Market For Uber/Lyft Drivers?!
- What is Uber Intercity?
- Are Uber/Lyft Drivers Driving For FREE When This Happens?!
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