Would you take a Tank Taxi? What about suing the CDC over the mask mandate for travel? These things and more are happening this week. Learn more with senior RSG contributor Paula Gibbins as she goes through the news in this week’s roundup.
Lyft and Uber driver who works in Chicago sued the CDC over its mask mandate, saying it infringes on his constitutional freedoms (Business Insider)
Summary: A man who works as a driver for rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber in Chicago last week filed a lawsuit against the CDC over its federal mask mandate, saying it was unconstitutional.
Justin Mahwikizi said in his complaint that the mask mandate limited both his freedom of religion and freedom of speech. He said that’s because he’s had to refuse service to unmasked passengers.
My Take: Well, that’s one way to do it, I guess. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the “sue everybody for everything” mentality. And this feels like a bit of a stretch. Freedom of speech is being impeded because of the mask mandate? I guess I don’t see how that fits in.
Now, for the freedom of religion. I’m not going to touch this with a ten-foot pole because it’s not on me to try to explain or understand someone’s religious beliefs.
I just think he’d be more successful if he argued that he was losing business because of the mask mandate and having to turn away passengers who don’t have masks on. I mean, overall, good luck. I just don’t really see the point.
Why Didi Shares Are Falling and Why China Is Cracking Down (Bloomberg)
Summary: Just days after Didi Global Inc., China’s version of Uber, pulled off a $4.4 billion initial public offering in New York, the Chinese cyberspace regulator effectively ordered it removed from app stores in its home market, citing security risks. The ruling doesn’t stop the company from operating -– its half-billion or so existing users will still be able to order rides for now. Still its shares fell in New York below its IPO price on July 6 as China said it’s increasing supervision and revising rules for overseas listings of Chinese companies — just the latest example of the country asserting control over Big Tech.
Two days after the IPO, the Cyberspace Administration of China said it was starting a cybersecurity review of the company to prevent data security risks, safeguard national security and protect the public interest. People familiar with the matter say the regulators had asked Didi as early as three months before to delay the IPO because of security concerns, but Didi went ahead. Two days after the listing, regulators said Didi had committed serious violations in the collection and usage of personal information and ordered the app pulled. Didi said on July 5 that it was unaware of the watchdog’s decision before its listing. There are no details on what precisely the investigation centers on, when or where the alleged violations occurred or whether there will be more penalties to come….
My Take: I think it’s good to make sure companies are addressing security risks, and rideshare companies are no exception. However, I do find it interesting that China decided to stop allowing new users to access the Didi app two days after it went public. It seems a little too…planned? Or like they are taking a stab at the rideshare platform and punishing them in some way.
I don’t know. What do you think? Am I just crazy?
Uber driver clocked at 102 mph in Lakewood — with passenger in the car (KDVR)
Summary: An Uber driver has been cited for speeding after Lakewood Police say they clocked him at 102 mph with a passenger in the car.
Police say 38-year-old Ousmane Sylla was pulled over Wednesday morning on 6th Avenue near Colorado Mills after a motorcycle officer clocked him speeding.
“As our agent approached, they saw a ride-share sticker on the back, and sure enough, it was someone driving for a ride-share company,” Lakewood Police spokesperson John Romero said. “With a passenger in the back nonetheless, going 102 miles an hour.”…
My Take: Ummm…what???
I’m trying to take a step back and think like this driver, but I’m not coming up with a good reason to be going over 100mph. Especially with a passenger in the backseat!
I do kind of find it funny though that they didn’t even have proof of insurance. Like, you literally need it to drive for Uber, so how do you not have the proof of insurance on you?
This ‘Tank Taxi’ service blows Uber away (Fox News)
Summary: A British man is launching a “Tank Taxi” service in the city of Norwich with a 15-ton armored vehicle.
The ex-military tracked personnel carrier isn’t technically a tank, but was built to withstand hits from small arms, artillery and explosive devices.
Merlin Batchelor told SWNS that the 1967 military machine had been sitting in someone’s yard for four decades before he purchased it last year for around $27,500.
“I just wanted a tank. I always wanted to build a castle one day and it seemed to go with the whole defensive theme,” Batchelor said.
Batchelor brightened it up with a purple flower motif and added a flat-screen TV in the cabin, just in case playing soldier isn’t entertaining enough for his passengers. He has applied for a taxi license so he can offer a unique way to get around town, but won’t be competing directly with ride-hailing services….
My Take: Ok, how cool is that? I’d probably be one of those people who would fork over the $830 for an hour-long ride in this beast. It just seems like one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that would be hard to pass up.
Would you pay to get a “taxi” ride in an armored vehicle? What if it’s got painted purple flowers on it?
-Paula @ RSG
