Cabbies, Uber Drivers Square Off At City Hall
CHICAGO (CBS) -- After a failed 24-hour strike last week, activists from the taxi industry took their fight to City Hall on Wednesday, protesting what they say is preferential treatment for rival ride-sharing companies.
Karen Chamberlain, who is on the board of the United Taxidrivers Community Council, said the taxi industry is subject to higher costs and greater regulation than companies like Uber and Lyft.
"We want to go by their rules. Lower our costs, or since the city needs money, raise their costs. We'll meet them in the middle on either one of those," she said.
Chris Taylor, general manager of Uber in Chicago, brought dozens of Uber drivers to City Hall to face off against the taxi drivers.
"Competition, when you're not used to it, is tough," Taylor said. "Competition is actually a new thing for this industry, and the taxi industry's not used to that, and it's not easy."
Taylor said he understands why the cab industry has been fighting, but he said the competition from Uber and others is healthy.
However, Chamberlain said the city is creating an uneven playing field.
"Uber pays a $10,000-a-year licensing fee. Every taxi on the street pays $700 – each one, individually," she said.
Taylor insisted the city is not showing ride-sharing companies an unfair advantage, and he said Uber is good for Chicago; by providing jobs for people with cars, and more transportation options for people in underserved communities.
Uber driver Jessica House said the company is providing desperately needed jobs.
"Uber has opened up a door for people to be able to get that, be able to take care of their families, be able to meet new people. Since I've been driving, I love my friends with Uber. I have not had not one bad experience," she said.
Taxi drivers said those benefits come at their expense.