Cab drivers take Uber concerns to Collier County commissioners

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Cab drivers say the ride-sharing service Uber is not safe.

Now they’re fighting back, taking their concerns to Collier County commissioners.

“Technically you can’t even deliver pizza with your normal insurance policy, let alone people.”

Peter Francois is fed up. He’s owned Turbo Cab for the past three years and says he’s forced to follow local rules.

He had to get a proper license and have commercial insurance, meanwhile Uber drivers do not.

“Technically they’re not legal.”

Since Uber moved into Collier County in December 2014, code enforcement officers have written 137 citations totaling $119,000. So far, Uber has paid $75,000 of that.

Francois says its the company’s way of getting around paying for drivers to be licensed.
County commissioners will hear his concerns on Tuesday.

“Technically to be a taxi driver you have to undergo certain steps.”

Uber’s representatives tell WINK News the county regulations ignore the fact that their drivers are mostly part-time. The rules create too much burden both on the drivers and the company.

Back in March, Lee County commissioners heard a similar argument and in the end,
commissioners voted 5-0 to streamline their current rules for taxi companies to include companies like Uber.

That new ordinance requires background checks, inspections, commercial insurance and car markings. Francois hopes Collier commissioners take the same action.

“Those that are following the rules that are following the ordinances it’s not fair to them.”

Commissioners will hear more about this issue at their meeting on Tuesday.