The FTC launched a probe into Uber and Lyft illegally coordinating to limit driver pay in NYC, but will Trump will the probe? Waymo plans to expand tests to 10 new cities. Uber is following Lyft’s lead and is adding a price lock pass. Uber alleges insurance fraud in NYC. We break it all down for you.
Uber, Lyft Under FTC Scrutiny for Alleged Antitrust Violations in NYC

Source – Bloomberg (Paywall free), NY Post
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a probe into whether Uber and Lyft coordinated illegally to limit driver pay in New York City. This investigation, launched by outgoing FTC Chair Lina Khan in the final days of the Biden administration, raises questions about potential antitrust violations in the companies’ interactions with municipal authorities.
- This allegation was prompted by a July 2024 agreement with city officials intended to reduce driver lockouts, a practice criticized for cutting driver earnings.
- Civil investigative demands, similar to subpoenas, were issued to Uber and Lyft to explore the nature of their collaboration and its alignment with antitrust laws.
- With Trump-appointed Chair Andrew Ferguson now leading the FTC, it remains uncertain whether Uber, Lyft, and other major tech companies that have backed the new Trump administration will encounter the same level of scrutiny as they did under the Biden administration. Notably, Uber contributed to Trump’s inauguration in what appears to be an effort to foster goodwill with the president.
Waymo to Expand Autonomous Driving Tests to Over 10 New Cities in 2025

SOURCE – Reuters
Waymo has announced plans to expand its autonomous vehicle testing to over 10 new cities in 2025, citing the successful adaptation of its technology in a diverse mix of environments. Among the cities, Waymo has its sights of expanding to Tokyo, San Diego, Las Vegas, Truckee, Calif., Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and other cities yet to be announced.
- A small fleet of vehicles will operate in each city, about 10 vehicles per city, with trained human specialists behind the wheel, focusing on the busiest and most complex areas. This will essentially provide enhanced data for Waymo’s vehicles to be trained on.
- Waymo’s expansion comes after it announced it would be testing freeway trips in Los Angeles, where the service has grown in popularity since being introduced.
Uber Is Developing A Price Lock Pass to Compete with Lyft

SOURCE – Bloomberg (Paywall free)
Uber is developing a “price lock pass” that would allow commuters to lock in ride prices in advance, similar to a feature launched by Lyft five months ago. This new product, which will likely be priced at $2.99 per month, could help users avoid surge pricing by capping fares on designated routes during a specific one-hour window each day.
- This feature was uncovered by Bloomberg News via a review of publicly available code within Uber’s iPhone app.
- Lyft’s similar Price Lock feature, priced equally, has been popular according to the company’s latest earnings calls, with commuters representing almost half of its weekday rides. Lyft said it had 200K active Price Lock passes on its platform.
Uber Alleges Fraud Scheme by NY Groups Faking Car-Crash Injuries

SOURCE – Bloomberg (Paywall free)
Uber has filed a racketeering lawsuit against New York law firms, doctors, and clinics accused of staging fake car accidents and unnecessary medical procedures to exploit no-fault insurance policies. The alleged scheme involves subjecting passengers from minor collisions to invasive surgeries for insurance claims.
- New York requires higher personal injury coverage for rideshare drivers, which Uber claims has facilitated larger fraudulent claims.
- Uber’s action highlights the broader insurance issues in New York City, coinciding with insolvency challenges faced by American Transit Insurance Co. (ATIC) due to similar fraud allegations. ATIC has also filed its own lawsuit related to no-fault insurance fraud as state stakeholders address the insurance crisis.
Waymo Is Adding Tipping?

SOURCE – YouTube Shorts
According to infamous tech sleuth Jane Wong on X.com, robotaxi company Waymo is working on adding a tipping feature. Before you bring out the pitchforks about tipping a robot taxi, she followed up by saying the tips would be donated to a charity of the rider’s choice. Find out more in our latest YouTube Short!
QUICK HITS
- The Nevada Supreme Court has blocked a ballot initiative backed by Uber that aimed to cap attorney fees, arguing that the funds saved would benefit plaintiffs. Opponents argued it would deter lawsuits. – Nevada Independent
- CNBC’s Jim Cramer tells his viewers to buy more Uber stock. – Yahoo Finance
- Moove, an Uber-supported African mobility fintech that provides vehicle financing to ride-hailing and delivery app drivers worldwide, has acquired Kovi, a Brazilian urban mobility provider. – TechCrunch
- Detroit rapper Dank Demoss has filed a lawsuit against Lyft, claiming she was refused a ride due to her weight. – NBC News
Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content
Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:
- RSG263: Justin Pappan on Renting a Fleet of Teslas! (EV Access)
- Hawaii Dispatching Lyft Drivers For Ambulance eCalls?
- Numbers Dont Lie Driving Uber And Lyft
- 5 Tips for New Uber Drivers in 2025
- The Rideshare Guy en Español
- Make sure you Subscribe so you don’t miss out on future conversations and interviews!