Wanted: Uber and Lyft drivers in Rochester
With a new ride-sharing ordinance on the books, the world's top two transportation network companies appear to be one critical step away from launching service in Rochester: signing up drivers.
Both Lyft and Uber have been targeting the Rochester area in recent weeks with advertisements and special promotions encouraging residents with extra free time on their hands to register as contracted drivers.
Neither company has set a launch date for service, nor have they submitted the required applications with the city, according to Assistant City Administrator Aaron Reeves. However, both Uber and Lyft have stated they are working to bring service to Rochester in the near future.
Uber representatives had aggressively lobbied the city to adopt TNC regulations and were involved in drafting the language of the new ordinance. The company's focus is now on "kickstarting the operational process required to get Uber up and running in Rochester," said a spokesperson for the company. "This includes reaching out and encouraging Rochester residents to sign up and drive, as well as working closely with the city on implementation of the ordinance."
Drivers for both companies are considered independent contractors and are therefore required to use their own cars (though programs are in place for drivers who do not own an approved vehicle). Drivers have the flexibility to work as many hours as they want; they can simply activate the app whenever they are available to begin picking passengers up.
Learn more about becoming a driver with Lyft or Uber.
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(Cover graphics: Lyft / Uber)
