More Uber Cars On New York City Streets Than Traditional Taxicabs
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – In a span of less than four years, San Francisco-based Uber has grown from a ridesharing startup to overtake the streets of New York City.
According to the New York Post, the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission reported that Uber now has 14,088 black and luxury cars operating in the five boroughs. By comparison, there are 13,587 medallion taxicabs.
Uber began offering rides in New York City in May of 2011.
Joel Abreu, an Uber driver who earns $85,000 a year after expenses, told the Post, "You can just turn on your phone and start working at any time."
In January, Uber released internal data saying their drivers in New York City are earning on average $15 more an hour, which does not count driving expenses.
The Post reported that taxicabs make 10 times as many trips as Uber cars.
Success for the ridesharing service is not without controversy. On Wednesday, 19 San Francisco taxicab companies sued Uber, accusing the company of false advertising.