The City Council is weighing whether to approve new regulations for Uber and other ride-hail companies. We want to understand how readers view the proposals.
The New York City Council is expected to vote on Wednesday on whether to add new limits on Uber vehicles and other ride-hail services.
The City Council is considering a package of bills to regulate ride-hail companies after growing complaints over street congestion and low driver wages. Six professional drivers in New York have killed themselves in recent months, in part because of financial turmoil in the industry.
One bill would halt the issuance of new for-hire vehicle licenses for a year while the city studies the industry. The apps would be able to add new vehicles only if they are wheelchair-accessible. Another bill would allow the city to set minimum pay rates for drivers.
Learn more about the proposals before the New York City Council.
Uber and Lyft, the two most popular ride-hail apps in New York, oppose the cap proposal. Uber arrived in New York in 2011 and has transformed how people get around, drawing riders away from yellow taxis and the subway. Across the world, cities are grappling with how to regulate the company.
Supporters of the cap say it is needed to stop the influx of vehicles slowing traffic speeds in Manhattan. They also argue that a flood of new drivers is making it difficult for current drivers to make a good living.
Uber says it provides a critical service in New York, where the subway is faltering. Uber sent an email to its customers saying that if the legislation passes, it could raise prices and lengthen wait times for passengers.
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Emma G. Fitzsimmons is a transit reporter in New York. She previously covered breaking news at The Times and worked as a local reporter at the Chicago Tribune. @emmagf
