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This coming July, the rideshare companies Uber and Lyft are scheduled to leave Minneapolis and suspend operations in the metro area. This comes after members of the Minneapolis council voted in support of an ordinance that required a raise in pay for all Uber and Lyft drivers in Minneapolis.
Here is the reasoning behind this decision: Uber and Lyft drivers in Minneapolis are being paid minimum wage or a little bit more. The Minneapolis City Council says they want fair and equitable wages for workers; an increase in wages would be incredibly beneficial for the drivers themselves. However, Uber and Lyft opposing to the increase in wages and leaving Minneapolis could result in the loss of thousands of jobs and fewer options for the citizens of Minneapolis to get home safely, given the use of ride-share as an alternative to driving under the influence.
Young adults and students will be two of the groups most affected by the removal of Uber and Lyft in Minneapolis. Rideshare companies have taken over a large part of the transportation industry and millions are utilizing this. However, opinions differ among the SPA student body.
Sophomore Fletcher Coblentz believes that the change would be a good thing: “I think it’s good that Uber and Lyft are leaving because they refuse to comply with fair wages for workers,” Colblentz said. “I think this will send a message to the people in power at the rideshare companies.”
Sophomore Josh Melchert recognizes that there are pros and cons to Uber and Lyft staying versus leaving: “It sucks for the people, but it’s good for the drivers because they need to get paid,” Melchert said.
Uber and Lyft are officially set to leave Minneapolis on July 1st at the latest. Before then, there will be lots of debate, with people taking the side of the drivers and demanding better wages or arguing that there will be less safe transportation for residents. If Uber and Lyft leave Minneapolis on July 1st, it would be an enormous change for the area, but there is still the possibility they will stay if an agreement is reached.
